Insights from IAA 2026: How Can Europe Overcome Grid Constraints and Make Electric Truck Charging Profitable?

In September 2026, "IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026" took place in Hanover, Germany. The event sent a clear signal: electric heavy-duty trucks are moving beyond regional transport into long-haul freight operations. Charging infrastructure must evolve accordingly—from meeting basic charging needs to supporting "high-power charging", faster vehicle turnaround and sustainable operations.

This shift is being driven, first and foremost, by advances in vehicle technology. Volvo’s next-generation FH Aero Electric offers a range of up to 700 km, while the Renault Trucks E-Tech T 780 can travel up to 660 km. According to Renault Trucks’ analysis of operational data from approximately 70,000 connected vehicles across Europe, its new-generation electric vehicle lineup can meet around 80% of daily transport needs. This figure can rise to 90% when fast charging is carried out during a driver’s 45-minute break. As driving range increases and charging becomes more efficient, electric heavy-duty trucks are becoming viable for a wider range of long-haul applications.

However, longer driving ranges also place greater demands on charging infrastructure. At IAA, Daimler Truck, MAN, Scania and Milence showcased the potential of Megawatt Charging System technology, further demonstrating the feasibility of recharging heavy-duty trucks quickly during drivers’ legally mandated rest breaks. Industry estimates suggest that Europe will need approximately 35,000 public MCS charging points by 2030. Yet, according to data from the European Alternative Fuels Observatory, as of 2026 there are only around 730 heavy-duty vehicle charging locations in Europe capable of delivering 350 kW or more. There is still considerable room for infrastructure development.

Meanwhile, the EU’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation is accelerating the expansion of the charging network. By 2030, heavy-duty vehicle charging stations along the TEN-T core network must be spaced no more than 60 km apart in each direction of travel, with a total charging capacity of at least 3.6 MW at each station. As these regulatory requirements are phased in, the key question for Europe’s electric truck charging market is no longer simply how many stations to build. It is how to meet high-power demand while controlling construction costs and delivering stable returns.

From High-Power Infrastructure to Sustainable Profitability

For CPOs, building a charging station does not automatically make it profitable. Demand for "heavy-duty truck charging" is often concentrated in specific time windows. If grid capacity is insufficient, a site may struggle to charge several vehicles quickly at the same time. Relying solely on grid upgrades, meanwhile, can entail high connection costs and long construction lead times. Vehicle arrival patterns, equipment utilization and energy prices also have a direct impact on project returns.

Planning for heavy-duty truck charging stations should therefore start with actual transport demand. Drawing on operating experience at ports, mines and logistics parks in China, operators can prioritize sites along established freight routes and build long-term partnerships with logistics companies and fleet operators. Relatively predictable charging demand can then provide a more stable basis for day-to-day operations. Energy management and smart charging technologies can further improve the utilization of available electricity.

Integrating PV-ESS-Charging to Ease Grid Constraints

Once vehicle demand becomes clearer, grid capacity often emerges as the main constraint on expanding a charging site. Kehua’s integrated PV-ESS-Charging solution offers operators an alternative approach by coordinating on-site energy supply with vehicle charging demand through the integration of photovoltaic generation, energy storage and charging infrastructure. Where site conditions are suitable, energy storage can provide additional power during charging peaks and reduce instantaneous grid demand, while PV generation can increase the use of locally generated clean energy.

Electricity prices in Europe also fluctuate throughout the day. By taking fleet arrival patterns, battery energy storage system status and electricity supply contracts into account, operators can optimize energy procurement and charging schedules—controlling electricity costs without compromising transport schedules. The actual benefits of an integrated PV-ESS-Charging solution depend on local electricity prices, solar resources, storage investment costs and vehicle load profiles, so each project requires a site-specific assessment.

Intelligent Power Allocation to Reduce Charging Time

When grid capacity is limited, allocating the available power to vehicles as effectively as possible is equally important. Kehua’s 800kW split-type charging system supports expansion to 1.6 MW by connecting two power cabinets in parallel and is compatible with CCS and MCS dispensers. Its power optimization function dynamically allocates power according to vehicle charging demand and the site’s available capacity. The efficiency optimization function helps optimize system operation and reduce conversion losses, making better use of the limited power supply.

For heavy-duty truck fleets, this means a charging station must do more than provide high power: it must also allocate power intelligently when multiple vehicles arrive at once, minimizing charging time and improving equipment turnover. For operators, improvements in equipment efficiency, energy delivered and utilization can translate into stronger operating returns. In suitable projects, Kehua’s solutions have the potential to increase overall site returns by approximately 30%. Actual results should be assessed against vehicle traffic, charging profiles, grid conditions and operating costs.

As long-haul electric trucks move toward large-scale deployment, competition among charging stations in Europe will be defined by more than rated power. Energy supply, intelligent power allocation and overall operational capability will become increasingly important. By securing stable fleet demand, integrating solar generation and energy storage with charging, and applying intelligent power management, operators can meet fast-charging needs while controlling costs more effectively—and put heavy-duty truck charging on a path to sustainable profitability.

About Kehua :
With 38 years of experience in power electronics, Kehua continues to advance EV charging technologies and has developed a comprehensive product portfolio covering high-reliability charging modules, all-in-one DC chargers, high-power split charging systems, megawatt charging solutions, and integrated PV-ESS-charging solutions.

Contact Information :

Website: www.kehuasz.com

Email: info@kehuasz.com