TST launches nationwide e-truck charging network
Frank Schmidt is a hands-on entrepreneur who prefers action to complaints. The founder and CEO of Worms-based logistics firm TST has already installed a charging hub via his subsidiary Pam Sun to supply his company’s electric trucks – and those of other operators. But Schmidt is also a strategist. He knows that charging solely at a depot cannot support electric long-haul transport nationwide.
His 35 years in transport and logistics initially made him sceptical about future energy supply. But sleepless nights gave rise to a vision he is now pursuing with his team: a nationwide depot charging network created by and for logistics companies – independent of traditional energy providers. Mid-sized firms such as TST are expected to jointly finance the network through a cooperative alliance.
‘The economic viability of charging infrastructure depends significantly on its utilisation,’ Schmidt explains. Shared use is intended to make installations a worthwhile investment. “Given today’s low diesel prices, electric trucks only reach cost parity at power rates below 33 cents per kilowatt-hour,” Schmidt has calculated – a figure consistent with data from energy think tank Agora Energiewende. Current public charging stations fall short of these conditions.
To remedy this, Schmidt and his team have developed a comprehensive concept for affordable green power, essential for the economic deployment of battery-electric trucks. ‘Power must come from renewable sources to balance profitability with climate protection,’ he stresses. TST has aligned its self-managed logistics facilities with this strategy and refers to them as energy hubs.
Making depot charging viable
TST’s power generation has evolved: from on-site use to accounting for and transferring power to other sites, and now to third-party supply. ‘At our terminal, we sell electricity to other transport operators,’ Schmidt says, noting high current utilisation.
The jointly operated depot network is intended to replicate TST’s example. ‘We overcame many challenges and gained significant experience,” Schmidt adds. “Now we want to share that know-how with our partners.’
Pam Sun has formed a dedicated team, aiming to install depot charging points at three additional sites before the end of the year. By 2026, 10 to 20 locations are planned. ‘We help our partners develop truck-ready sites using proven systems and define shared technical standards. Bulk procurement delivers better terms for all,’ Schmidt explains. Financing remains decentralised: ‘Assets stay with each partner and are not transferred to the alliance.’
The economic viability of charging infrastructure depends significantly on its utilisation. TST CEO Frank Schmidt
By 2028, the network is expected to span the country, supplying battery-electric trucks across Germany. Schmidt plans to pool electricity purchases, too, as self-generation alone won’t suffice for large fleets or economic site operation. Each site will require substantial storage capacity for 24/7 power supply.
‘This lets us store cheap renewable power from the grid during off-peak periods,’ Schmidt notes. With official certification from the German Environment Agency, customers can also credit green electricity against their CO2 balance.
Spot market rates on EPEX range between 4 and 10 cents per kilowatt-hour.; in 2024, the average day-ahead price stood at 7.85 cents, according to the Federal Network Agency. Temporary surpluses from wind farms can even cause negative prices. Schmidt has studied market pricing models closely.
Securing vehicle procurement benefits
Truck procurement also offers potential savings, as electric vehicles still cost twice as much as diesel models. Frank Schmidt may draw inspiration from freight network ELVIS, which negotiates better terms through joint purchasing. As with infrastructure, each alliance member acquires vehicles independently.
Any fleet using electric trucks can join the network. Each vehicle incurs a flat annual fee. Members contributing infrastructure receive a discount and benefit from predictable utilisation. ‘Most sites are in commercial or industrial areas, close to delivery destinations,’ Schmidt adds.
The core of the initiative is software that enables drivers to book charging slots. ‘We’ll centralise and standardise billing, similar to fuel card systems,’ Schmidt says. The Pam Sun-developed infrastructure standard meets truck needs: ‘Our sites accommodate full-height vehicles, chargers are accessible without uncoupling, and cooling units are supported,’ he notes.
TST also equips its depots with driver facilities. ‘They should be able to rest, eat well and affordably, and access clean sanitation,’ Schmidt emphasises. He started with a single truck 35 years ago; today, TST employs over 3,500 people at 75 locations. ‘If we want to attract and retain drivers, we must improve working conditions,’ Schmidt concludes. The rest area model already piloted will become a shared standard for all members.
