BGL and Depotcharge launch joint electric truck charging network
The Bundesverband Güterkraftverkehr Logistik und Entsorgung (BGL) and Depotcharge aim to establish a semi-public charging network for electric trucks in Germany. To achieve this, freight companies can open their free charging stations at their depots to other fleets. E.L.V.I.S. AG is also participating in this industry solution.
Depotcharge’s managing directors, Joscha Specks (left) and Julius Wilhelm.
Image: Depotcharge GmbH
The BGL, with around 7,000 companies organized in its regional associations, turns this platform into a charging network for its members. Freight forwarders can offer available charging capacity to other fleets while also using charging stations from other participants. Prices, access rules, and availability are set by the operators themselves. Depotcharge handles tasks such as access control, billing, and payment processing. The platform is designed to function independently of charging hardware, backends, and vehicle manufacturers.
According to the Munich-based startup, more than 200 companies with around 600 electric trucks are already registered. E.L.V.I.S. AG adds further reach: this purchasing consortium, with over 250 partner companies at more than 350 locations, aims to include its members in BGL Charge.
The concept has already introduced Depotcharge in Switzerland. There, the commercial vehicle association ASTAG has been using the platform since May for ASTAG Charge, which allows its members to share charging infrastructure among themselves. This association model is now being brought to Germany with BGL. Depotcharge itself was already available in this country previously.
Meanwhile, the company plans to continue expanding. Over the next two years, it aims to establish a charging network for electric freight transport in the DACH region and the Benelux countries, in collaboration with industry partners. To achieve this, Depotcharge has secured a pre-Seed financing deal of 2.7 million euros. The lead investor is the High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF), with additional participation from xdeck Ventures, Kopa Ventures, Prequel Ventures, and several business angels.
The capital is intended to be invested in international expansion and the further development of the platform. Planned features include reservation functions, open APIs, and integration with existing transportation management systems.
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