The partners behind BANULA (an acronym for “Barrier-Free and User-Friendly Charging Solutions”) have publicly demonstrated a new pass-through charging model for electric trucks. Unlike standard charging via public roaming systems, this approach separates the management of the charging infrastructure from the energy supplier. The charge point operator (CPO) is responsible only for operating the charger, while users bring their own electricity contract—such as residential or solar power. 

Coordinated by Germany’s Fraunhofer IAO, eight partners are working to make the system market-ready. A key goal: enabling electric truck fleets to charge along their entire route at the same favorable rates they enjoy at their home depot, with just an added infrastructure fee. The system could also allow excess solar power from the depot to be used more efficiently. 

Chinese EV maker SuperPanther is entering the European market with its new eTopas 600 electric semi-truck, which it plans to manufacture in partnership with Steyr Automotive in Austria. Series production is scheduled to begin by the end of 2025, with industrial manufacturing to follow in 2026 at Steyr’s long-standing production facility. 

Steyr Automotive will handle final assembly and ensure the vehicles meet European standards. The eTopas 600 will be equipped with a 621 kWh LFP battery, offering a range of around 500 km (310 miles). Its 876-volt electrical system powers two motors delivering 394 kW continuous output and up to 692 kW peak. Charging is via two CCS connectors, each supporting up to 330 kW—allowing a charge from 20% to 80% in under 38 minutes. 

Under the agreement, SuperPanther and Steyr also plan to develop additional models under the project name “eEmerald,” offering different range options, drivetrains, and cab configurations. 

Milence—a joint venture between Daimler Truck, Traton Group, and the Volvo Group—has opened three new high-power charging hubs for electric trucks in Germany, including its first site in the Ruhr region. The new locations are: Recklinghausen (A2), featuring six CCS chargers (up to 400 kW), and Koblenz (A61) and Kirchberg an der Jagst (A6), each with eight charging bays. 

These new additions bring Milence’s total number of CCS charging stations in Germany to 34 across five hubs, joining existing sites in Vockerode (A9) and Hermsdorfer Kreuz. The company aims to have eight active charging parks in Germany by the end of 2025. 

Munich-based autonomy specialist Fernride has launched driverless electric terminal tractors at HHLA TK Estonia’s inland port terminal. The system uses three retrofitted Terberg electric tractors equipped with Fernride’s proprietary hardware kit. 

This marks the first 24/7 fully automated terminal operation in Europe without onboard drivers. The system is based on a "human-assisted autonomy" model: the vehicles operate autonomously but can be remotely supported by teleoperators when needed.