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CLECAT joined a policy debate hosted by Milence in Brussels, set against the backdrop of the “Power to Go Further Tour” — a 1,000 km journey from Paris to Berlin using battery-electric heavy-duty trucks. The tour connects a series of charging hubs across France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, showcasing one of Europe’s first fully operational clean transport corridors. Several of these hubs have been co-funded under the EU’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF), underlining the role of targeted EU funding in supporting early deployment.

A recurring theme in the discussion was the “wait-and-see” dynamic among fleet operators. High upfront investment costs and uncertainty around total cost of ownership continue to slow adoption. While operating costs are expected to improve with scale, early adopters face higher risks, including volatile electricity prices and concerns over vehicle depreciation as technology evolves. This coordination challenge risks delaying uptake at a time when momentum is building globally.

Policy discussions highlighted both urgency and constraints. Industry representatives called for stronger support for domestic battery production to reduce reliance on global supply chains, particularly in relation to China. At the same time, representatives from the European Commission emphasised the limits of broad subsidy approaches, noting competing demands across sectors. Trade policy was also identified as a key lever, with agreements such as those with Australia and Mercosur seen as important for securing access to critical raw materials.

Grid capacity emerged as one of the most pressing challenges. Stakeholders warned that, at current rates of deployment, existing grid infrastructure may only absorb additional demand for a limited period. The lack of a transparent, EU-wide overview of available grid capacity further complicates planning for operators and investors. There was broad agreement that heavy-duty transport should be prioritised in grid access decisions, particularly as competition for electricity intensifies with other sectors, including data centres.

The debate also pointed to the importance of implementation at Member State level. While the EU is advancing initiatives such as the Grids Package, delivery will depend on national frameworks and permitting processes. Participants stressed the need for stronger incentives and coordination, particularly in cross-border regions, to ensure a truly integrated European energy system.

Overall, the discussion highlighted that electrifying freight transport is not only a technological transition, but a systemic one. Progress will depend on aligning infrastructure deployment, grid capacity, regulatory frameworks and market incentives. Initiatives such as the Power to Go Further Tour illustrate what is already possible — but scaling up will require coordinated action across industry and policymakers.