The Transport-CH commercial vehicle trade fair shows: Electricity is booming, only charging points are missing

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That’s incredible. “You can hear everything in the cabin except the engine,” one driver tells colleagues as they complete a test drive of the silent electric giant at the Transport-CH commercial vehicle show in Bern (open until tonight).

It’s a (driving) feeling that truck drivers will quickly get used to. Anyone who wanders through the Transport-CH, Carrosserie-CH and Aftermarket-CH exhibition halls this year will see that electric propulsion is no longer a niche, but has become the focus of all commercial vehicle brands. Diesel trucks are still on the road, but at the trade show, electric is king, even made in Switzerland. Offering everything from dump trucks to heavy-duty trucks electrified, the Winterthur e-experts at Designwerk present the High Cab Semi 6×2 T, the world’s first electric truck model series with a battery capacity of 1000 kWh; too much range!

Established producers are also under pressure. Volvo Trucks Switzerland delivered its hundredth electric truck during the fair. At MAN, it’s all about the eTGX on display, while at Mercedes, the Swiss premiere of the eActros 600 is being held, with two electric motors and a new electric axle with a total power of 816 hp. Renault Truck is showing off its full range of electric drive models, including last-mile cargo bikes. Stephan Oberli, sales manager at Scania, explains: “There is great interest in our electric models, but the customer also needs information and advice on new technology.”

Chinese are coming

As in cars, Chinese brands are trying to capture market share in trucks. Lucerne commercial vehicle dealer Auto Truck is showcasing BYD’s first two large electric vehicles: the 7.5-tonne ETM6 and the 19-tonne ETH8. “The 19-tonne truck definitely has greater potential for us,” says Oliver Marinkovic. “The new battery technology, which contains lithium iron phosphate instead of lithium ions, impresses with its lifetime, lower average costs and higher safety – ideal for truck use.” Less expensive BYD electric vehicles are likely to attract a certain level of customer interest, especially on price.

Where is the charging infrastructure?

“We have the right products; now we need a market for them,” says Andreas Burgener, director of the Swiss Automobile Importers Association, simply. Lack of charging infrastructure is a major obstacle. According to a new study, 15 large truck loading centers with 180 charging points will be needed across Switzerland by 2030. According to the research, there will be 600 charging points in 10 years. Reto Jaussi, director of the commercial vehicle association Astag, is critical of the federal government’s speech, adding: “For all this to work, our 3,000 members from the Swiss transport industry need planning and investment security.”

As the Aftermarket-CH stands show, e-mobility has long reached the workshops. Suitable equipment and diagnostic tools as well as structures for electric trucks are presented here. Whether diesel or electric, it is important that trucks are in use as constantly as possible, not just sitting somewhere.

Source: Blick