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In the ninth episode of the second season of the IAA TRANSPORTATION PODCAST, we welcome Markus Mildner, CEO of eMobility at Siemens Smart Infrastructure.
Together, we discuss the role that high-performance, intelligently controlled charging infrastructure plays in scaling up electromobility in the commercial vehicle sector—and why it has long been about much more than just installing charging stations.
Markus Mildner provides exciting insights into the electrification of fleets and depots, explaining how charging infrastructure, vehicles, grid capacities, and operational processes must interact so that the transition to electric commercial vehicles is not only technically viable, but also commercially successful. Built around the core theme of “Charging Beyond Hardware,” we discuss why modern charging infrastructure must be approached as a complete system made up of hardware, software, and services—from planning and intelligent energy management to maintenance and long-term scalability.
At the center of the conversation is also the question of how fleet and depot operators can optimize their Total Cost of Ownership. We discuss how dynamic electricity tariffs, battery storage systems, and photovoltaics can be integrated into intelligent energy management, as well as the role software plays in aligning charging times, vehicle availability, and energy demand. Especially for large fleets with hundreds of charging points, digital control becomes a decisive factor for efficient, reliable operations.
In addition, we take a look at the next generation of charging hardware. Markus Mildner explains how the new, modularly designed SICHARGE FLEX is intended to cover the varying requirements of depots and public charging hubs, enabling charging capacities from 250 kilowatts to well over a megawatt. We also touch on the importance of service and predictive maintenance: with the help of data analytics and artificial intelligence, potential issues will be detected before downtime occurs—since in logistics especially, the availability of vehicles and charging infrastructure directly determines profitability.
Furthermore, we look ahead to IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026 in Hanover. Siemens will place “Charging Beyond Hardware” at the center of its trade fair presence, demonstrating how high-performance charging technology can be combined with software and service solutions to form a holistic charging ecosystem
The IAA TRANSPORTATION Podcast is a production of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA).
Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible and wherever else you get your podcasts.
