E-trucks promise a greener future for logistics, but charging challenges are hitting the brakes. In Venlo, the Netherlands, Milence and Pixii are revolutionizing the game with fast, reliable charging solutions that fit perfectly into drivers’ mandatory breaks.
The challenge
The business case for electric logistics vehicles depends on reliable and efficient charging solutions. Truck drivers must take a break after every four and a half hours of driving, necessitating a full recharge of the truck within a limited time, especially in long-haul transportation. However, in some locations the existing grid capacity is unable to meet these power demands, especially in high-density areas, so the challenge intensifies.
Milence needed a scalable battery energy storage system (BESS) for its charging hub in Venlo, Netherlands to boost grid capacity and ensure rapid, efficient charging for electric trucks, paving the way for widespread adoption.
The solution
Milence selected Pixii to develop a robust and scalable BESS for the Venlo charging hub. A Pixii PowerBase system was installed with a 520 kW / 1.1 MWh battery energy storage capacity, supported by a total of 13 PowerShaper cabinets-one of which was deployed in addition to the main PowerBase setup. Built on a sturdy steel platform, this setup supports the existing 400 kW high-power chargers (HPCs), enabling Milence to increase the charging capacity at Venlo, ensuring scalability to meet growing demand.
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“Our PowerBase system at the Milence Venlo site sets a new standard for E-Truck charging, combining advanced technology with scalability and reliability to support the growing needs of the logistics industry.”
Steffen Ackmann, Key Account Manager, EV-infrastructure, Pixii
The Benefits
The Pixii BESS ensures capacity when there are peaks in the demand, allowing more users to have stable and reliable power for ultra-fast charging of electric trucks. This is crucial for allowing truck drivers to maximize their breaks and minimize downtime.
The Pixii system is scalable and fast to deploy, allowing Milence to start with a minimum viable product and expand as demand grows. The reliability of the system, with hot-swappable components, ensures minimal downtime and easy maintenance. Safety is also a priority, with the system designed to be safe for any qualified electrician to work on.
| Objective | Develop a scalable and reliable charging infrastructure for E-Trucks, capable of supporting ultra-fast charging and addressing grid capacity limitations |
| Project | Milence Venlo charging infrastructure upgrade |
| Industry | EV charging |
| Country | Netherlands |
Background
Milence was established in July 2022 as a joint venture between Daimler Truck, the TRATON GROUP, and the Volvo Group and is dedicated to making the future of road transport fossil-free. To realize this vision, Milence is building a reliable charging network for all battery-electric heavy-duty trucks and coaches, regardless of brand. By 2027, Milence aims to have at least 1,700 high-performance charging points across Europe.
With an initial focus on 15 markets and operational hubs in several key locations, Milence is rapidly expanding its network to ensure that heavy-duty electric vehicles can operate seamlessly across the continent, supporting the transition to a sustainable and efficient transport system.
| Solution | Pixii PowerBase BESS with 13 PowerShaper cabinets |
| Capacity | 520 kW / 1.1 MWh BESS |
| Charging infrastructure | Four Alpitronic 400 kW chargers |
| Grid capacity | 700 kVA, boosted by Pixii BESS |
| Integration | Seamless connection energy management system |
| Value proposition | Pixii’s solution ensures scalable, reliable, and easy-to-maintain charging infrastructure |
The results
The deployment of the first Pixii BESS at one of Milence’s site has marked the beginning of an ambitious plan to establish a European network of E-truck charging stations. The Venlo project has shown that enhancing power capacity with scalable energy storage solutions can meet the demanding needs of the electric logistics industry. Milence is set to roll out similar installations across Europe, ensuring that E-trucks have the necessary infrastructure to operate efficiently. Pixii stands ready to support these efforts, with technology capable of handling megawatt charging solutions as soon as they become available.
Project contacts
Pixii Oslo
E-mail: Show Email
Visiting address: Sommerrogata 13-15, 0255 Oslo
Project manager Pixii
Steffen Ackmann
Key Account Manager | EV-infrastructure
Tel. +49 6151 3659323
E-mail: Show Email
Download the case study
Charging ahead – Milence and Pixii’s solution for E-truck charging