Anja van Niersen appointed CEO of Volvo, TRATON and Daimler joint venture focused on European charging network (CV Charging Europe)

The joint venture between Volvo, TRATON and Daimler – announced in 2021 and aiming at installing at least 1,700 charge points all over Europe – has officially started activities. It is named CV Charging Europe. Anja van Niersen has been appointed CEO of the entity. The kick-off arrived after completing the final step of the agreement, which will see the three major groups owning equal shares.

Anja van Niersen appointed joint venture’s CEO

The parties are committing to invest €500 million in total, which is assumed to be by far the largest charging infrastructure investment in the European heavy-duty truck industry to date. Needless to say, such efforts on the heavy truck side may have significant consequences for the long-distance coach business as far as, in the middle-term, battery-electric coaches will be marketed. Study says that 26% of coaches are estimated to be electrified in 2030 in EMEA region.

This is a long-awaited and major step towards achieving the required charging infrastructure for the roll-out and success of battery-electric long-haul trucks and coaches.

Martin Lundstedt, President and CEO Volvo Group

Additionally, the three players announced the name of the appointed CEO, Anja van Niersen, most recently serving as CEO and later as Chairman of the Board of the major European electric vehicle charging network provider Allego. 

As reported in the press release, “the kick-start is a call to action to all other industry players, as well as governments and policymakers, to work together for a rapid expansion of the necessary charging network as well as investing in renewable energy in order to reach Europe’s climate targets. As a clear signal to all stakeholders, the charging network initiated by the three parties will be open and accessible to all heavy commercial vehicles in Europe, regardless of brand”.

Martin Daum, CEO Daimler Truck, stated: “We are very excited to kick off this new joint venture together with our partners. It is crucial that we are now taking the initiative for building up the much-needed charging network. Still, we call on the entire industry to join in our effort. The number of charge points has to increase significantly as fast as possible to make electric long-haul trucking a viable solution for our customers”.

Similarly, Christian Levin, CEO TRATON GROUP: “To find the best solutions for the climate challenge is our most urgent priority as an industry and as the TRATON GROUP. When we talk to customers about electric trucks, they always ask: where can we charge? To support as fast as possible, we are teaming up and from today on kick-starting the European charging network. With Anja van Niersen this JV has a CEO with a great deal of experience in setting up charging networks. Anja and her team will support the important journey to enable further progress of sustainable transport”.

Finally, Martin Lundstedt, President and CEO Volvo Group: “This is a long-awaited and major step towards achieving the required charging infrastructure for the roll-out and success of battery-electric long-haul trucks and coaches. We are making what would be impossible for one actor alone to accomplish – this strong partnership is a significant milestone and accelerator towards carbon neutral transport in Europe by 2050”.