EU Analysis, Truck Charging Network, Milence, Ford Trucks, Huber+Suhner, Hankook

The average CO2 emissions from new light commercial vehicles have continued to decrease, down by 1.6 percent from 2022. This reduction in emissions is linked to the increasing share of electric vehicles, according to preliminary data published by the European Environment Agency (EEA). In 2023, 1.2 million new vans were registered in Europe, a 20.2 percent increase from 2022. The share of purely electric light commercial vehicles last year reached 8 percent, with more than half of all electric vans registered in France, Germany, and Sweden.

This summer, Germany will begin the tender process for a nationwide truck charging network. Specifically, 350 charging locations will be created – 220 at managed and 130 at unmanaged rest areas. By 2030, at least 314 public truck charging locations are planned, with charging capacity expected to rise from about 66 megawatts in 2025 to 918 megawatts in 2030. EU regulations require that fast-charging infrastructure for trucks to be available every 60 to 100 kilometers along major highways.

Milence has opened a large charging park for electric trucks in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. The park features ten CCS chargers with up to 400 kW per charging point, serving a total of twenty parking spaces. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is a central hub in European freight traffic, and Milence plans to establish at least 1,700 high-performance charging points across Europe by 2027. The Antwerp-Bruges location is the third site, following Venlo in the Netherlands and Heudebouville in France.

Ford Trucks has launched its new F-LINE series in Crailsheim, Germany, specifically designed for road and construction work as well as for use as tractor units. The lineup includes models such as an 8x4 tipper with a Meiller dump body, engineered to meet the needs of truck drivers with a focus on ease of use and robust reliability. The F-LINE chassis are equipped with engines ranging from 330 to 480 horsepower and are available for order now.

Huber+Suhner has unveiled new modular cable assemblies for electric commercial vehicles, aimed at making the production process more efficient and reducing costs. These modular assemblies are intended to speed up the homologation and validation of wiring concepts. Additionally, a product configurator allows customers to customize cables, connectors, and fittings to meet their specific needs.

Hankook has introduced the SMART City AU56 tire, specifically designed for fully electric city buses. The SMART City AU56 aims to maximize range per battery charge and minimize rolling resistance, thereby enhancing efficiency in public transportation. The tire is characterized by low wear rates and the use of high-strength materials, which help ensuring long-term use and reducing costs. Hankook employed cutting-edge technologies in its development, including AI-assisted design, digital twin testing, and 3D-printed tread molds. The tire features S-shaped sipes that enhance the interlocking between tread blocks for improved grip, while three-dimensional zigzag lines within the tread blocks ensure even wear and prevent stone retention, extending tire life.