Danfoss’ Onboard Charger to Boost Electrification of Heavy-Duty Trucks in Europe

Electric Truck Revolution with New Onboard Charger

Danfoss, a global engineering leader, has introduced an innovative onboard charger crucial to decarbonizing heavy-duty transport. Currently, a fleet of eight electric trucks in Denmark utilizes this compact charger, roughly the size of a large suitcase. These trucks are key to Danfoss’ efforts in reducing its supply chain emissions. Through its partnership with Volvo, Danfoss demonstrates the potential of this technology to accelerate truck electrification across Europe.

Overcoming Heavy-Duty Truck Electrification Challenges

Electrifying large trucks, typically 6 meters long and 3 meters high, poses considerable challenges due to their high energy needs. Unlike passenger EVs, heavy-duty trucks require rapid charging during brief stops for efficiency. Danfoss specifically designed the onboard charger for these demanding conditions. It provides charging speeds up to 44 kW, significantly higher than the 7.2 to 22 kW typical for passenger EVs.

The powerful onboard charger minimizes truck downtime by enabling charging during 15-minute loading and unloading breaks. Consequently, trucks can operate continuously with only longer overnight charges needed.

Danfoss’ Sustainability and Emission Reduction Commitment

Danfoss aims to be the preferred decarbonization partner for its customers, demonstrating this through its electric truck fleet in Denmark. Already, these electric trucks have reduced emissions by 10-15%, saving approximately 250,000 liters of diesel annually.

The company seeks to show that decarbonizing supply chains with electric trucks is both practical and efficient. Danfoss’ deployment of electric trucks and charging solutions significantly contributes to lowering emissions in Europe’s transport sector, responsible for 25% of the region’s greenhouse gases.

Rising Demand for Electric Trucks in Europe

Demand for electric trucks in Europe surged in 2023, nearly tripling sales. This rapid growth signals a significant shift toward sustainable transportation solutions. Electric trucks now represent over 1.5% of total truck sales in Europe, and further expansion is anticipated.

At the core of this transformation is Danfoss’ onboard charger, addressing heavy-duty electric vehicles’ energy demands and supporting the industry’s sustainability push.