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Milence Reinforces Electric Truck Charging Infrastructure in Germany
Milence, a pioneering joint venture founded by Daimler Truck, the TRATON GROUP, and Volvo Group, has celebrated the grand opening of its first public electric truck charging hub in Germany’s industrial Ruhr region. The inauguration, attended by Mona Neubaur, North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, marks a significant milestone in Milence’s mission to advance zero-emission, heavy-duty freight mobility throughout Europe.
Strategic Location Connecting Major Transport Corridors
The new charging hub is strategically situated on the northern edge of the Ruhr area, a core logistics hub within the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). This location is a vital link for heavy-duty electric vehicles operating on high-traffic freight corridors through western Germany. Milence’s latest facility in Recklinghausen is designed to provide seamless connectivity between the North Sea ports, Hanover, Berlin, Poland, and beyond.
Cutting-Edge Charging Technology and Driver Amenities
The Recklinghausen hub boasts six state-of-the-art CCS (Combined Charging System) charging points, each offering a rapid charging capability of up to 400 kW. To address future demand and accelerate charge times for next-generation electric trucks, Milence plans to upgrade the hub with Megawatt Charging System (MCS) technology in its second phase. Supporting long-haul drivers’ wellbeing, the hub provides essential amenities, including restrooms, showers, and vending machines—ensuring comfort during rest stops.
Expansion of Electric Truck Charging Hubs Across Germany
Recklinghausen is now the fifth operational Milence charging station in Germany, reinforcing the brand’s leadership in developing a continent-wide charging infrastructure tailored to electric trucks. New hubs are strategically clustered along high-capacity corridors, providing reliable public charging for e-trucks where it matters most:
- Recklinghausen (A2, 6 CCS points): Linking Rotterdam and Antwerp with major German and Polish cities
- Koblenz (A61, 8 CCS points): Bridging the Cologne and Frankfurt metropolitan regions
- Kirchberg an der Jagst (A6, 8 CCS points): Connecting Southern Germany with France as well as the Rhine-Neckar and Nuremberg areas
Vehicle Electrification and Market Leadership
Germany stands at the heart of Europe’s logistics and road freight sector, already featuring among the highest adoption rates of long-range electric trucks. Milence’s rapid deployment of new hubs is set to triple its available charging points nationwide, firmly cementing its role as a market leader in e-mobility infrastructure. By the end of 2025, the company aims to operate eight fully functional charging hubs in Germany, making it one of Milence’s largest markets.
Industry Leadership and Vision
“Germany is the main artery for European road freight,” emphasizes Anja van Niersen, CEO of Milence. “The opening of Recklinghausen’s hub is an essential step in closing infrastructure gaps for e-mobility in western Germany.”
Minister Mona Neubaur adds, “Launching the first charging station for electric trucks in North Rhine-Westphalia sets a new standard for climate-conscious freight. Electric truck charging with clean energy supports environmental protection, reduces noise pollution, and paves the way for an electrified future in logistics.”
Facilitating Seamless Logistics and Route Planning
Milence hubs play a pivotal role in emerging European electric freight corridors—such as Barcelona–Lyon, Paris–Hanover, and Antwerp–Stockholm, the latter featuring Europe’s first megawatt charging solutions. These strategically positioned charging stations serve as dependable stops, allowing logistics operators to confidently plan efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable routes for their electric fleets.
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, Milence is targeting over 30 hubs across nine national markets. In accordance with the EU’s ambitious Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF), the rollout includes 284 MCS chargers at 71 locations in ten EU member states by 2027—accelerating transition to green logistics.
Driver Experience and Support Services
Every Milence charging hub is engineered for driver convenience, with most sites offering clean restrooms, hot showers, on-site lounges, and vending machines to make rest intervals as comfortable as possible. An upcoming booking tool will enable fleet managers to reserve charging slots, maximizing operational efficiency and minimizing downtime.
Universal Access and Streamlined Payment Solutions
The Recklinghausen charging hub delivers a fast, compatible, and brand-agnostic charging experience for all electric trucks. Milence ensures straightforward access by partnering with multiple e-Mobility Service Providers (eMSPs), accepting a broad range of charging cards. Additionally, direct payment via terminals or the Milence Card offers ultimate user flexibility. The standard public charging rate is set at €0.399 per kWh (excluding VAT), making it both transparent and cost-effective for transport businesses.
Performance, Market Positioning, and Future Growth
Through prompt implementation of high-performance charging technologies and rider-centric design, Milence sets a benchmark in the evolving market for electric commercial vehicles. It positions itself as the backbone of sustainable logistics in Europe, standing out from competitors with its customer-focused innovations, strategic network, and robust partnerships with leading automotive manufacturers.
As demand for electric trucks surges and environmental regulations tighten, Milence’s growing network is poised to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission freight solutions—making clean, efficient, and connected transportation the new standard for international logistics.
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