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Milence: Next truck charging park opened in Antwerp-Bruges

The joint venture of Daimler Truck, the Traton Group, and the Volvo Group has put its largest charging park to date into operation at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.

Milence launches one of the largest public charging parks in Europe. Photo: Milence
Milence launches one of the largest public charging parks in Europe. Photo: Milence
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von Daniela Sawary-Kohnen

In the presence of Maros Sefcovic, Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, the company inaugurated the charging park for electric trucks. With a total throughput of 289 million tons per year, the port of Antwerp-Bruges is an important hub in the Milence network, it was stated. Anja van Niersen, CEO of Milence:

“With this strategic addition to the network, Milence's future roadmap is taking more and more shape. Our new charging park is strategically located on the Rhine-Alpine corridor, one of Europe's busiest freight routes. This brings the charging infrastructure precisely where the need for sustainable freight transport on the continent is greatest.”

Second hub soon at Goordijk parking lot
At the newly opened charging park at the Ketenis truck parking lot, ten CCS chargers (Combined Charging System) with a charging capacity of up to 400 kW per bay supply a total of twenty parking spaces.

This makes Ketenis the first Milence charging park in Belgium and also the largest in Europe, according to the company. Later this year, a second hub at the Goordijk truck parking lot with five CCS chargers for ten parking spaces is expected to follow. A quick transition to Megawatt Charging System (MCS) for both charging parks is planned as soon as the technology becomes available. Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges:

“A comprehensive charging infrastructure is a key element in the electrification of road freight transport. As a pioneer in the energy transition, we have taken the initiative and, together with Milence, are providing powerful charging parks in the port area of Antwerp. With this groundbreaking step, we aim to set an example for other ports and logistics sectors and inspire them.”

Payment App and Direct Tariff

To enable easy access for every truck on the market, the joint venture has, according to its own statements, signed agreements with several major eMSPs (E-Mobility Service Providers) in Europe. This partner network is to be further expanded.

In addition, a user-friendly app was developed for customers, allowing them to easily find a charger and pay for charging processes. Direct payments would also be possible via a payment terminal.

The direct tariff is 0.4 euros (0.399 euros) per kWh excluding VAT and transaction costs. This charging tariff also applies to all charging parks operated by Milence, can be found in the app, and displayed at the charging station. 

Usage of Electric Heavy-Duty Vehicles

The charging and parking area is fenced and secured, illuminated, and equipped with camera surveillance, Wi-Fi, and sanitary facilities. Additionally, drivers can get snacks and drinks from vending machines in the accommodation area.

Both charging parks at Ketenis and Goordijk, according to Milence, contribute to the initiative of a green transit corridor between the ports of Antwerp and Bruges. They also enable the deployment of electric heavy-duty vehicles. Annick De Ridder, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges:

“The charging parks turn both truck parking areas in the Antwerp port area into an indispensable link in electric truck transportation. Together with Milence, we are removing an important hurdle for domestic and international haulers in their transition to electric trucks. Road freight transport is and will remain important for us to deliver very specific products quickly and on time – and this is especially crucial for the so-called last mile. Our port is the economic engine of Flanders. The more sustainable – and in this case the more electric – this engine runs, the better!”

Moreover, Milence uses sustainable options, such as reducing CO2 emissions throughout the entire concrete paving solution. The use of wooden elements in the Milence arch and in the canopies for a lifespan of 30 years is also such a measure. Anja van Niersen, CEO of Milence: 

“This development in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is a clear testament to the fact that strong partnerships pave the way to the future. This is how green transit corridors can be created across Europe. Our charging park not only supports this but is also an important step towards realizing our vision of road freight transport without CO2 emissions. Such a future begins here and now. We are excited to pave the way for it with Milence.”

Translated automatically from German.
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