Compact Suitcase‑Sized Charger Promises to Slash European Truck Emissions

Revolutionizing Freight: Denmark’s Step Toward Carbon‑Neutral Supply Chains

Eight electric trucks in Denmark are now equipped with cutting‑edge onboard chargers, a strategy that is rapidly lowering the carbon footprint of the country’s logistics networks.

How the Technology Works

• Portable charging units integrated on each vehicle allow for on‑the‑go power replenishment.
• Smart load‑balancing routines ensure optimal battery health during long hauls.
• Seamless integration with national power grids reduces energy waste.

Impact on Denmark’s Economy

By adopting these chargers, firms report:

• Lower operating costs due to reduced fuel consumption.
• Improved delivery reliability on remote routes.
• Eligibility for green subsidies offered by the Danish government.

Future Outlook

The pilot program serves as a template for nationwide rollout, with plans to increase capacity and develop additional charging infrastructure across the continent.

Revolutionizing Heavy‑Duty Transport: Danfoss Leads the Charge

Eight Fully Electric Trucks on the Road

Danfoss operates a fleet of eight all‑electric trucks that shuttle between its production facilities and logistics hubs across Denmark. These vehicles are a testament to the company’s commitment to green mobility and serve as real‑world examples of heavy‑duty electrification.

Collaboration with Volvo in 2023

In 2023, Danfoss partnered with Volvo to demonstrate how its technology can help decarbonise supply chains. The joint effort reinforced the idea that sustainable transport solutions can be scalable and effective across industries.

Ambition to Become the Preferred Decarbonisation Partner

“We have the ambition to be our customers’ preferred decarbonisation partner and to earn that respect and loyalty from our customers,” said Torben Christensen, Danfoss’s Chief Sustainability Officer and Head of Global Services. He added, “To achieve this, we need to build a leading position ourselves in sustainability.”

The Torben’s Nordic Factory: A Showcase of Advanced Engineering

Inside the Danfoss factory in Nordborg, Denmark, two massive robotic arms tirelessly assemble a critical component of each vehicle: the onboard charger. This grey suitcase‑sized box plays a pivotal role by converting alternating current (AC) from charging points into direct current (DC) that the battery can store.

Why On‑board Chargers Matter

• Public and home chargers typically supply AC power, but EV batteries operate on DC.
• The onboard charger bridges that gap, enabling vehicles to charge using standard AC outlets.
• Without it, heavy‑duty EVs would be forced to rely exclusively on external DC fast chargers, which are rarer and costlier to install.
• Large lorries demand higher charging power to replenish energy quickly during short stops.

Danfoss Editron’s Basic‑Truck Charger

The Danfoss Editron charger is engineered for trucking and bus fleets, providing up to 44 kW of charging power. This is a notable increase compared to the 7.2‑to‑22‑kW chargers commonly found in passenger EVs, allowing trucks to re‑power swiftly and remain productive on the road.

Future Outlook

As Danfoss continues to push the boundaries of heavy‑vehicle electrification, the company’s efforts underscore a broader shift toward sustainable transportation. With advanced onboard chargers and a fleet already in operation, Danfoss is positioning itself at the forefront of an industry that is rapidly moving away from fossil fuels.

’24-hour truck’

Innovation Driving Volvo Truck Battery Management

Key Features of the Volvo Truck

• The vehicle integrates a suite of Danfoss components designed for efficient charging.
• Customised superchargers are installed during factory production.

Charging Strategy for Optimal Availability

Danfoss notes that commercial trucks must spend significant time offline each weekday to recharge. However, the battery can be topped up during standard loading and unloading periods, which average around 15 minutes. This short interval keeps the truck within 24‑hour operating potential under most circumstances.

When the fleet is not in service during weekends, a longer overnight charge cycle is implemented to fully replenish the battery’s capacity.

Furthermore, the onboard charger doubles as a power source for auxiliary equipment on industrial vehicles, such as cranes and loaders.

Market Context and Environmental Impact

Heavy‑duty road vehicles emit approximately 25 % of greenhouse gases reported by the EU for all road transport.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that sales of electric trucks in Europe nearly tripled in 2023, reaching over 10,000 units, which represents a rise of more than 1.5 % when compared with total truck sales.

Emission Reductions Achieved by Danfoss

• The fleet’s deployment has led to a 10 – 15 % reduction in Denmark’s Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.
• This translates into an annual saving of approximately 250,000 litres of diesel.

Additional Resources

For a deeper dive into the broader trends affecting electric vehicle adoption in Europe, view the accompanying video.