Efficient depot charging for electric trucks – why less charging power is often more
More and more logistics companies, municipalities and fleet operators are switching to fully electric trucks. When it comes to charging power, however, one misconception persists: that it always has to be the maximum output of 400 kW or more. In practice, 20 to 50 kW is perfectly sufficient in many cases to charge the vehicles reliably for their next assignment.
Key points at a glance
- In the depot, trucks are often parked for many hours – 20 to 50 kW is then usually enough.
- Long-haul fleets need high power, but usually not a megawatt charger: 400 kW is sufficient.
- Moderate power saves grid and investment costs and is gentler on the battery.
Why high charging power is not always necessary
In depot operations, vehicles are often stationary for many hours – overnight or during longer loading and unloading times. These idle periods are ideal for slower charging that is gentle on the grid.
An example: an electric truck with a 300 kWh battery charges fully at 50 kW in around six hours. If it is parked in the evening and back in service in the morning, full range was reached long before – without any high-power infrastructure.
Practical examples from depot operations
- Regional delivery transport: the vehicles leave fully charged in the morning and return after around 200 km. With 20–50 kW, the battery is full again by the next working day – without load peaks.
- Municipal waste management: refuse trucks and street sweepers have predictable daily cycles and often charge overnight at 20–30 kW DC. This lowers electricity costs and is gentle on the battery.
- Fleets operating in shifts: even with short charging windows during the day, targeted top-up charging is usually enough to complete the next cycle safely.
Long-haul fleets: fast charging yes – but in moderation
Long-haul fleets need high charging power to add enough range for the next leg during the legally required breaks. But a 1 MW charger is not always necessary for this: with 400 kW, enough energy for hundreds of kilometres can be recharged in 30 minutes.
This power is already available at many charging parks along the main routes. The challenge is often accessibility for trucks: many charging parks were designed for cars, and entrances and parking bays are not always suitable for large vehicles. Infrastructure planning is what is needed most here in future – with truck-compatible bays, turning areas and wider access routes.
Benefits of depot charging at moderate power
- Cost efficiency: lower connected load, lower grid and investment costs
- Less strain on the power grid: even load instead of load peaks
- Gentler on the battery: lower charging power extends its service life
- Simple installation: AC solutions (e.g. 22 kW) or compact DC chargers (20–50 kW) are quick to install and can often be implemented without reinforcing the grid connection
Conclusion
In depot charging, good charging planning matters more than maximum charging power. What counts is not how fast a truck can charge, but how well charging fits into the operating schedule. In the depot, 20–50 kW is usually enough; long-haul fleets benefit from powerful fast chargers – without necessarily needing the megawatt class.
Project-specific DC charging solutions
Planning charging infrastructure for your fleet? Whether 20 kW for depot charging or 400 kW for long-distance transport – write to us at onlinesales@ampion.at.
