Shell launches EV charging network for heavy-duty fleets

Shell has launched its integrated electric vehicle (EV) charging network for heavy-duty fleets.

Designed to accelerate fleet electrification across Europe, it combines Shell Recharge sites, roaming partner locations, semi-public depot sites, and private charging points with controlled third-party access into a single network.

The network aims to help businesses with heavy-duty fleets tackle EV infrastructure gaps and high investment costs.

SBRS, part of the Shell group, is responsible for delivering the depot-based elements of the shared network, including charging hardware, software integration and energy system support.

Key features of the integrated charging network for heavy-duty transport including tailored charging solutions, energy savings of up to 30%, allowing fleets to electrify without depot investment, and stable pricing.

The company said it was making the move now to help heavy-duty fleets with the challenges of managing cost, complexity and operational efficiency – with fragmentary networks and varying energy prices impacting performance for firms.

In addition, the industry needs to “connect the dots”, it said, including integrating hardware, software, and energy supply into one optimised network. This approach can help operators streamline operations, maximise asset use, and create new opportunities to reduce total cost of ownership while supporting the transition to battery-electric transport.

Conrad Mummert, head of SBRS at Shell said: “Our integrated charging network supports fleet operators by providing dependable access and helps to reduce the total cost of ownership for battery-electric trucks by up to 25%.

“That reduction is driven by a combination of cost-saving and revenue-generating opportunities – from stable, discounted energy pricing and charging optimisation, to monetising depot access during off-peak hours.”

Kristin Kahl, management sustainable solutions at Contargo, said:  “We truly value our collaboration with SBRS. Fleet electrification only works when charging is fully integrated into daily operations, which is why we’ve combined different models across our network.

“With Contargo planning to roll out 90 electric trucks and 90 charging points by the end of the year, we’re observing how integrated infrastructure can support scaling up and contribute to reducing emissions in logistics operations.”