Denmark's first charging stations for trucks on its way to Hirtshals

30 Jan 2023

In the future, it will be possible for electrically powered trucks to charge during transport to and from Port of Hirtshals. This will become a reality when three of Denmark's first publicly accessible charging stations, which are specially dedicated to heavy transport, are established at the Hirtshals Transport Center.

When more trucks will switch to electricity in the coming years, access to efficient and strategically located quick charging is essential. That is why, E.ON Drive Infrastructure has designated two essential locations in Denmark, including Hirtshals, which will be the beginning of the company's corridor of charging stations in Europe.

- The establishment of charging stations, which are suitable, for heavy transport, undoubtedly creates some exciting opportunities for trailer traffic, when another fuel becomes available in Hirtshals - not only in the short term but particularly also in the long term, says Per Holm Nørgaard, CEO at Port of Hirtshals.

The new charging stands for electrically powered trucks can charge two trucks at a time - that is, six at once.

The first charging stations to be installed at Høje Taastrup are expected to be in operation at the end of 2023. This will be followed by the installation of three 400 kW quick charges, which can charge six electric trucks at the same time, at the Hirtshals Transport Center. When the technology is ready, it is possible to scale the stands up to 1 MW. The total of six charging stands are the first public stands in Denmark, which are aimed at heavy transport.

The charging stations will be established at Hirtshals Transport Center, which is located not far from port of Hirtshals.

Until now, the few electric-powered trucks that are stationed in Denmark have had to charge at their own depots. However, with their new charging stations, E.ON will make it easier for car dealers to switch to electricity.

- Electric commercial transport is lagging the development we have seen in recent years for private cars. As a charging operator, we want to be at the forefront and facilitate access to charging - also for heavy transport. The more charging options we have strategically placed around the country, the easier it will be to get trucks switched to electricity. We want to invest in and step up the green transformation of heavy transport - both public and privately owned charging stations, says Anders Krag, Managing Director of the charging network E.ON Drive Infrastructure Denmark.

Around a quarter of Europe's total CO₂ emissions come from transport and, according to the European Environment Agency, 71.7% of those emissions come from road transport. Heavy vehicles and light vans account for over a third.

- Every day, we work to create better and greener framework conditions for both our customers and users in and around the port of Hirtshals - both on land and at sea. What we are looking at now is therefore a step in the right direction towards realising Hirtshals' position in the green transition, concludes Per Holm Nørgaard.