Finland launches first fully electric Heavy Capacity Transport vehicle in Janakkala

In the parking area of the Janakkala Linnatuuli traffic station, Finland’s first fully electric Heavy Capacity Transport (HCT) combination, measuring over 35 meters and weighing 68 tons, barely fits into a long green grid that has been painted on the ground. Driver Sami Suvanto retrieves his phone to connect his electric truck to a high-power charger capable of delivering 400 kilowatts when necessary. The custom-built Volvo vehicle is utilized by DB Schenker for transportation between Helsinki and Tampere. The four-ton battery pack is expected to recharge to operational status in under 45 minutes.

The Finnish government aims to have nearly 5,000 electric trucks operating by 2030 to meet greenhouse gas emission targets for heavy traffic. However, currently, only 84 electric trucks are registered in Finland, which increased by just ten from the previous year. There are approximately 90,000 trucks registered on Finnish roads.

To stimulate investment in electric trucks, Electric Transport Association CEO Heikki Karsimus stresses the importance of continued procurement support for alternative fuels and increasing the availability of high-power charging stations, especially on major roads.

Minister of Environment and Climate Kai Mykkänen notes that the slow progress in electrifying heavy transport is also due to the significant investment required from transport companies, as the vehicles are expensive. Despite these challenges, he highlights that operating costs are lower with electric vehicles.

Currently, Finland has only two public charging stations for heavy-duty vehicles. The government plans to allocate 10 million euros in next year’s budget for additional high-power charging stations across the country, even as there are concerns about customer demand and the sustainability of such investments.