Market Insights #13
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Welcome to our bi-weekly newsletter featuring 5 main news on e-mobility around the world. On this 13th edition, we’ll discuss high power charging investments, with massive initiatives from OEMs. We'll also look at electric truck advantages for waste management. We hope you enjoy reading us, let us know what you thought in the comments!
EV CHARGING INVESTMENTS
Mercedes-Benz's ambitious expansion plans for electric vehicle charging Infrastructure in Europe
Mercedes-Benz has set ambitious goals in the electric vehicle charging infrastructure sector. After announcing their ambition for the US and Canada, they are planning to open 30 fast-charging stations in Europe by the end of 2024, with the project commencing in Mannheim. Their long-term vision is to have over 2,000 stations, totaling 10,000 charging points worldwide by 2030. While Mercedes may have entered the charging market a decade after Tesla, they have their reasons, citing prior involvement with Ionity as a foundation for their strategy. This initiative aligns with their "Ambition 2039" sustainability strategy. Instead of just providing charging facilities, German luxury automakers like Porsche and Mercedes are focused on enhancing the overall customer experience such as Wi-Fi and snacks.
Gireve’s view: As a luxury automaker, Mercedes-Benz aims to offer more than just a charging service. Currently, most fast-charging stations are situated along the motorways, either within service areas or just outside them, where there are no other services. Charge point operators are now exploring ways to enhance the charging experience for their customers by offering additional services. Since location appears to be the primary consideration for EV drivers today, other factors, such as the overall charging experience, will become increasingly important in attracting drivers to a particular station. Furthermore, as a car manufacturer, Mercedes will have a competitive advantage in providing the best charging experience with reliability, as they will be involved at both ends of the charging system, similar to what Tesla has done (with the exception that Mercedes may not become a charging station manufacturer).
Hyundai aims to develop high-speed EV chargers to compete with Tesla
Hyundai Motor plans to develop high-speed electric vehicle chargers to compete with Tesla. Its subsidiary, Hyundai Kefico Corp., is aiming to launch 350 kW chargers in Korea this year. Hyundai initially announced its foray into EV charger development last year. However, their expansion has been slower than Tesla's. Hyundai's premium branding strategy for charging stations has increased costs, hindering their growth. Meanwhile, Tesla continues to expand its Supercharger network in Korea. Hyundai hopes to narrow the gap with its own chargers and collaborate with other automakers to establish EV charging stations in the US.
Gireve’s view: Charging station manufacturers, automakers, and charge point operators are closely linked in the heart of the charging ecosystem. Tesla made the strategic choice to lead the industry by becoming all three, and it offers several advantages. When a vehicle charges at a station operated by the same entity, data can be collected and analyzed to enhance hardware, software, and operations. Tesla has exemplified this over the last decade by consistently improving its entire infrastructure, including the latest open-access Supercharger V4. Hyundai is now taking steps to join this league, a move that will undoubtedly benefit the Hyundai Group by improving both their vehicles and charging stations.
Source: KED Global
Volkswagen Group France launches high-power charging network “ELECTRIFY France by VGF networks”
Volkswagen Group France is launching "ELECTRIFY France by VGF networks”, a high-power charging network. They plan to have 150 charging stations with 300 high-power charging points within their dealerships by summer 2024. This initiative covers various Volkswagen Group brands and offers rapid charging, providing 150-200 km of range in 15-20 minutes, with 24/7 service. The aim is to support the growing electric vehicle market in France, especially for those without dedicated home charging. This project complements existing IONITY charging network as Volkswagen is part of the shareholders and emphasizes quality and accessibility.
领英推荐
Gireve’s view: For now, most car dealerships have installed slow chargers to facilitate charging for customer vehicles or vehicles to sale. As the number of electric vehicles increases, the demand for charging will significantly rise, necessitating proper infrastructure. Additionally, it will enable Volkswagen Group France to showcase its dealerships and attract new customers. The utilization rate of these chargers will need to be monitored to determine if there is a demand for fast charging in these areas as this is not often located along motorways.
Source: VGF
EnBW's accelerated expansion of EV charging infrastructure and sustainable mobility initiatives
EnBW, one of the largest fast-charging network operators in Germany, is significantly expanding its infrastructure for electric vehicle charging. They plan to operate around 30,000 fast-charging points in Germany by 2030, investing approximately €200 million annually, up from the previous €100 million. EnBW aims to promote EV adoption by providing a dense and high-quality public charging network. In September, they will start construction on five covered fast-charging parks in various locations across Germany. These parks will offer fast charging at up to 300 kW, providing up to 400 km of range in just 20 minutes. EnBW will showcase their sustainable charging solutions at the IAA Mobility event in Munich, focusing on ecological and inclusive features. EnBW also introduces the "EnBW HyperNetz," allowing customers to charge at over half a million points in 17 European countries with consistent tariffs.
Gireve’s view: As a major operator, EnBW plays a significant role in the e-mobility ecosystem of Germany. Their introduction of the "EnBW HyperNetz" is a game changer for EV drivers as it will harmonize all tariffs across Europe. One of the major issues for EV drivers today is the complexity of charging tariffs among different operators. Each operator sets its own tariff, and eMSPs must adapt accordingly, managing various tariff structures, from simple pricing per kWh to rates that vary depending on power, time of day, and duration. This new offer will be interesting to look at in the long term as it can be complicated for operators to be profitable. Gireve also attends the IAA Mobility event in Munich, feel free to contact us to organize a meeting at our stand A3-30.
Source: EnBW
URBAN TRANSPORTATION
Advancing sustainable waste collection: electric trucks transforming waste management in the Netherlands and Denmark
Cure Waste Management has taken a significant step towards sustainable waste collection by acquiring 7 electric DAF CF Electric garbage collection trucks, with more on the way. These vehicles are set to revolutionize garbage collection in Dutch areas by offering quiet and zero-emission operations. The company's commitment to sustainability is further emphasized by their plans to expand their electric truck fleet. Meanwhile, in Denmark, Urbaser has successfully deployed Daimler electric trucks in various Danish cities and is now introducing them in Aarhus. These trucks are equipped with three battery packs, providing a practical range of over 100 kilometers. Charging is done conveniently overnight at Urbaser's depot using Kempower charging stations.
Gireve’s view: Electrifying trucks poses a challenge due to the limited availability of such vehicles and their range. However, certain applications, such as waste management, are ideally suited for transitioning their propulsion systems. This is because they require shorter ranges, and these trucks are less frequently utilized than other types. Presently, the cost of these vehicles remains a hurdle, and not all municipalities can afford to transition their fleets. Nevertheless, as electricity prices is lower than fuel and maintenance costs remain low, the total cost of ownership (TCO) will significantly decrease. Again, when it comes to advancements in electrification, countries like the Netherlands and Denmark are leading the way in the transition to cleaner transportation.