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Electric Truck Charging Trends in 2025: The Rise and Future of DC EV Chargers

As the global push for sustainable transportation intensifies, the electric truck market is experiencing rapid growth. According to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Global EV Outlook 2025, global electric truck sales surged by nearly 80% in 2024, accounting for about 2% of total truck sales. This growth is driven not only by supportive policies and technological advancements but also by the rapid development of electric truck charging infrastructure, particularly direct current (DC) EV chargers. This article explores the latest trends in electric truck charging, the importance of DC chargers, and how to choose the right charging solutions for your business.

Surging Demand for Electric Truck Charging

The rise of electric trucks has placed higher demands on charging infrastructure. Compared to passenger vehicles, electric trucks require higher-power charging equipment to support long-haul transportation and heavy-duty operations. The IEA report highlights that the efficiency and lower energy costs of electric trucks make them particularly attractive for high-utilization scenarios, especially in key markets like China, Europe, and the United States.

China Market: In 2024, China’s electric truck sales doubled to 75,000 units, representing over 80% of global sales. Battery swapping technology is particularly prominent in heavy-duty trucks, with about half of electric trucks supporting battery swapping, significantly reducing charging times.
European Market: The EU’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) mandates that by the end of 2025, major transport corridors (TEN-T network) must have at least one 350 kW DC charging station every 60 kilometers. This has accelerated the expansion of heavy-duty vehicle (HDV) charging networks in Europe.
U.S. Market: The U.S. has allocated $5 billion through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program to deploy DC fast-charging stations along major freight corridors, although only about $30 million had been used for operational charging points by the end of 2024.

These statistics underscore that DC EV chargers are becoming the backbone of the electric truck charging ecosystem, meeting the need for fast, efficient charging in long-haul operations.

Advantages and Technological Trends of DC EV Chargers

DC EV chargers, with their high-power output and rapid charging capabilities, are the preferred choice for electric truck charging. Here are the key advantages of DC chargers in the electric truck sector:

Ultra-Fast Charging Speeds
DC chargers typically deliver 150 kW to 350 kW or more, with some ultra-fast chargers reaching megawatt levels (Megawatt Charging System, MCS). For instance, Europe’s HoLa and ZEFES pilot projects are testing MCS technology, aiming to reduce charging times to levels comparable to diesel refueling. The IEA projects that by 2035, global charging capacity for heavy-duty vehicles will reach 2,000 gigawatts, with opportunity chargers playing a significant role.
Support for Long-Haul Transport
For long-haul freight trucks, DC fast-charging stations can utilize mandatory driver rest periods for en-route charging. For example, EU regulations require drivers to take a 45-minute break every 4.5 hours, while U.S. rules mandate a 30-minute break every 8 hours. These time windows provide ideal opportunities for DC charging, minimizing operational downtime.
Smart Charging and Grid Integration
The IEA emphasizes the rise of smart charging and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies. Smart DC chargers can optimize energy consumption remotely via the internet, particularly in China, where policies encourage 60% of EV charging to occur during off-peak hours by 2025. This reduces grid strain and operational costs.
Battery Swapping as a Complement
In China, battery swapping stations coexist with DC chargers, offering electric trucks flexible charging options. By 2025, China plans to build 3,000 battery swapping stations, further enhancing the operational efficiency of heavy-duty trucks.

Choosing the Right DC EV Charger: Key Considerations

Selecting the appropriate DC charger for an electric truck fleet requires balancing power, compatibility, cost, and policy incentives. Here are some practical tips:

Power Requirements: Long-haul freight trucks need 350 kW or higher DC fast-charging stations, while urban delivery trucks may require only 150-250 kW chargers. According to IEA data, ultra-fast chargers (150 kW and above) grew by about 50% globally in 2024, accounting for nearly 10% of public fast chargers.
Compatibility and Standards: Ensure chargers support mainstream protocols like the Combined Charging System (CCS) or the forthcoming MCS standard. Europe’s AFIR regulations require charging stations to be compatible with multiple electric truck models.
Installation and Maintenance Costs: While DC chargers have high upfront costs, their long-term operational costs are lower, especially in high-utilization scenarios. Government subsidies, such as the U.S. NEVI program or China’s PM E-DRIVE initiative, can significantly reduce deployment costs.
Location Planning: Prioritize deploying charging stations along major freight corridors, logistics hubs, or loading docks. The IEA notes that opportunity chargers have the highest utilization rates in these scenarios.

Joint EVD002 DC Fast Charging Station

The Future of Electric Truck Charging

The IEA forecasts that by 2030, global public charging capacity must increase nearly ninefold to support the rapid growth of electric trucks and other electric vehicles. Here are several key trends shaping the future of electric truck charging:

Expansion of Ultra-Fast Charging Networks: With the maturation of MCS technology, megawatt-level charging stations will become widespread along major freight corridors, potentially reducing charging times to 5-10 minutes.
Policy-Driven Growth: The EU’s AFIR regulations, China’s battery swapping incentives, and the U.S. NEVI program will continue to drive investments in charging infrastructure.
Sustainable Charging: The integration of smart charging and renewable energy will further reduce the carbon footprint of electric truck charging, supporting net-zero emissions goals.

Conclusion: Seize the Opportunities in Electric Truck Charging

The booming electric truck market presents significant opportunities for DC EV chargers. Whether you’re a fleet operator, charging station developer, or energy provider, investing in high-power DC charging infrastructure will be a strategic priority in 2025 and beyond. Leveraging insights from the IEA’s Global EV Outlook 2025, businesses can better plan their charging networks to meet the growing demand for electric trucks while contributing to sustainable logistics.

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