Key takeaways
- Netze BW's project 'FlexCharge BW, NETZlabor E-Lkw' runs at four sites in real operations.
- Netze BW says the biggest brake isn't one part, it's how grid, tech, and daily haulage work together.
- Early data shows time windows between arrival, charging, and the next trip, potential for grid-friendly charging.
- Across Germany, over 860 distribution grid operators decide if a depot gets the right connection power.
- Prof. Markus Lienkamp of TU Munich advises haulage firms to talk to their grid operator early.
What is Netze BW testing in the E-Truck Grid Lab?
Netze BW is testing E-truck depot charging. The project is called 'FlexCharge BW, NETZlabor E-Lkw'. electrive.net reports this in an interview with project leaders Dr Kathrin Walz and Nadine Eisinger.
Testing happens with two logistics partners in Baden-Württemberg. They are haulage firm Stickel from Nagold and Logistik Schmitt from Bietigheim. In total, four sites are in real operations.
The project records real charging, vehicle, and operations data. Netze BW says this gives a base to better understand day-to-day charging in logistics.
„We don't test under ideal lab conditions. We test where the tech must later perform, in the real day-to-day work of haulage firms.“
— Netze BW, Dr. Kathrin Walz und Nadine Eisinger, Projektleiterinnen FlexCharge BW, gegenüber electrive.net
What is the biggest brake on depot charging?
According to Netze BW, the biggest brake is not any single part, it's how many systems work together.
„The biggest practical challenge lies less in any one technical part. It lies mainly in how different systems and processes work together.“
— Netze BW, gegenüber electrive.net
The power grid must stay stable. At the same time, daily haulage work must run reliably. Bringing both together, that's the real task.
Netze BW puts it this way: How can we flexibly control charging times without disrupting a haulage firm's running operations? That's exactly what the project works on.
How much time window is there really for charging?
Early project analyses show: time windows open between arrival, charging, and the next job. In some cases, it seems possible to flexibly control charging without disrupting operations, Netze BW told electrive.net.
What does grid-friendly charging mean?
Charging times are controlled so they don't overload the grid. Trucks charge mainly when the grid has little load. This makes charging power a flexible factor.
Why does the distribution grid operator decide success or failure?
In Germany, there are over 860 distribution grid operators. They connect heat pumps, car chargers, data centres, and renewables to their grids. With so much load, each one finally decides whether a depot gets the connection power it needs.
„How quickly do logistics depots get their grid connections, or an adjusted contractually agreed supply capacity?“
— Prof. Markus Lienkamp, TU München, im electrive-Interview
During electrive's Truck Charging theme week, this point was stressed often. Grid bottlenecks can hold up the build-out of charging infrastructure, the report said.
What should haulage firms do now?
Anyone wanting to electrify a depot should start early talking to their grid operator. Prof. Markus Lienkamp of TU Munich recommends this too.
- Find the responsible distribution grid operator at the site.
- Realistically estimate the charging power and number of trucks needed.
- Request connection power early and contractually secure supply capacity.
- Plan load management and time flexibility in from the start.
Frequently asked questions
- Who decides if an E-truck depot gets power?
- The responsible distribution grid operator. It checks if the desired connection power is available on the grid.
- What does grid-friendly charging mean?
- Charging times are controlled so they don't overload the grid. Trucks charge mainly when the grid has little load.
- Where is Netze BW testing depot charging?
- At four sites in Baden-Württemberg, at haulage firm Stickel in Nagold and Logistik Schmitt in Bietigheim.
- Why do experts advise talking to the grid operator early?
- Connection power and supply capacity need lead time. Those who plan too late risk long waits and bottlenecks.
