Milence, a collaborative venture involving Daimler Truck, Volvo Group, and Traton, has been selected by the Port of Antwerp-Bruges to construct two heavy-duty charging hubs.
The first phase involves building Charging stations at Goordijk and Ketenis truck parks, with an expected opening in May 2024. The hubs will initially offer 15 CCS chargers, each with a capacity of up to 400kW. The Port anticipates expanding the charging options and highlights Milence’s intention to transition to Megawatt Charging System (MCS) technology in the future.
Milence is currently showcasing a prototype MCS charging system at the Solutrans show in Lyon, France, developed in collaboration with Hitachi Energy. This system aims for a charging capacity of 1,000A, allowing heavy-duty trucks to charge in 30 to 40 minutes. The technology adheres to ISO15118-20 communication protocols. Additionally, Milence plans to open its first truck charging hub in Venlo, Netherlands, by the end of November 2023, serving as a launchpad for a European fast-charging network for heavy commercial vehicles.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges underscores the significance of Milence’s network, emphasising its focus on creating green corridors for road transport, connecting vital logistics hubs, major ports, and airports. As one of Europe’s largest seaports, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges positions itself as a key player in promoting sustainability within the maritime industry.
The truck charging hubs prioritise driver comfort and safety, featuring fenced and well-lit parking areas equipped with camera surveillance, Wi-Fi, and sanitary facilities. The facilities also offer snacks and drinks from vending machines. Milence’s charging hubs will benefit from locally produced renewable energy generated by solar panels and wind turbines.
Anja van Niersen, CEO at Milence, views this agreement as the beginning of a new era in sustainable transport, emphasising the belief in electrification as a clear solution for heavy-duty road transport. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges considers the truck parks as an essential link in electric truck transport, aligning with their commitment to a more sustainable economic engine for the region.
