In line with the European Union’s CO2 emission targets for heavy vehicles, which is expected to reduce CO2 levels by around 54 million tons between 2020 and 2030, ABB and food retailer Albert Heijn are leading the charge for the expansion of electric truck fleets across Europe.
Founded in 1887, supermarket giant Albert Heijn has taken an important step towards the emission-free transport of goods to its supermarkets at its 210.000m2 regional distribution center – including 41.500m2 of warehouse - in Pijnacker, South Holland, with the addition of a unique ABB fast charging plaza to power its electric trucks.
For the charging plaza, ABB installed 175 kW Terra High Power fast chargers. The modular structure of ABB’s solution gives Albert Heijn the flexibility to upgrade to full 350 kW fast chargers in the future, which could deliver twice the charging power and a future proof charging speed.
Due to the high-power demand, realizing fast charging infrastructure for electric trucks used in a 24/7 operation is a challenging task with several complex considerations. That is why a collaborative approach between project managers, engineers and specialists from ABB, installation company Batenburg, Albert Heijn, Daimler Trucks and transport company Simon Loos was so important for this installation. The team jointly devised the charging plaza in detail and worked together to realize implementation.
Frank Muehlon, Head of ABB’s global business for E-mobility Infrastructure Solutions, explains: “Innovation is part of our DNA and we are committed to building a smarter, safer and more sustainable future. The Albert Heijn charging plaza is a great example of innovative design, coupled with a partnership approach, to create an innovative solution that will cut CO2 emissions and help our customer to realize its zero-emissions vision. It is also a future proof solution that will grow with the needs of the business and the demands of changing carbon legislation.”
The Terra High Power fast chargers supplied by ABB were put into practice recently when they charged the first fully battery-electric Mercedes-Benz truck of Daimler Trucks to operate in the Netherlands: the eActros.
Used daily by Albert Heijn carrier Simon Loos, the eActros prototype truck has a range of approximately 200 km and is making regular journeys to distribute goods to Rotterdam, the Hague and Delft.
Series production is scheduled to start in 2021 and the series-production eActros will be significantly superior to the prototype in several respects, such as range, power and safety. In addition, Daimler Trucks will embed the vehicle in a holistic ecosystem that also includes consulting services relating to e-mobility. They include route analysis, checking for possible subsidies, support for operational fleet integration and the development of suitable charging-infrastructure solutions.
With the commissioning of the new ABB charging plaza, Albert Heijn will be able to schedule further CO2 -neutral journeys, as electric trucks can be now be charged in a much shorter time, minimizing downtime between journeys.
Peter Leegstraten, Manager Transport Expertise from Albert Heijn said: “We are committed to a future where we transport all our goods in a sustainable way and zero emissions in the inner cities. The installation of this new fast charger plaza is a positive step forward on our journey to a carbon neutral future. It allows us to charge electric trucks quickly and gives us scope to further expand our charging capability as our fleet grows. It is a positive blueprint for others to follow.”
ABB is a world leader in electric vehicle infrastructure, offering the full range of charging and electrification solutions for electric cars, electric and hybrid buses and trucks as well as for ships and railways. ABB entered the EV-charging market back in 2010, and today has sold more than 17,000 ABB DC fast chargers across over 80 countries.
ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 110,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com
ABB’s Electrification BusinessArea is a global leader in electrical products and solutions, operating in more than 100 countries, with over 200 manufacturing sites. Our 50,000+ employees are dedicated to delivering safe, smart and sustainable electrification. With ABB AbilityTM enabled digital solutions at its core, our portfolio protects, connects and optimizes the flow of electrical energy for smarter electricity distributionfor utilities, industry, buildings, infrastructure and mobility. For more information visit https://go.abb/electrification
