Volvo partners with truck stop chain to develop heavy-duty EV charging network

Sweden’s Volvo Trucks is partnering with North American truck stop chain Pilot to roll out a network of chargers catering specifically to medium- and heavy-duty electric trucks.

Pilot and Volvo signed a letter of intent this week to develop a high-performance electric charging network which will cater to all battery-electric Class 8 truck brands.

Designed to support and push fleet customers in their electrification efforts, the two companies hope their new charging network will further enable widespread adoption of medium- and heavy-duty electric trucks.

“Pilot Company is eager to help our customers attain their sustainability goals by partnering with the Volvo Group to develop the infrastructure and systems needed to move towards a more decarbonized future,” said Shameek Konar, CEO of Pilot Company.

Founded in 1958, Pilot operates a chain of truck stops – or “travel centers” – across North America. With 750 locations in 44 states and six Canadian provinces and including services such as restaurants, truck parking spaces, showers, diesel lanes, and truck maintenance and tyre services, expanding to include electric vehicle chargers is a logical next step.

“Volvo Group’s proven expertise in electric trucks combined with our nationwide travel center network and robust energy platform leverages our respective knowledge and resources to advance the nation’s charging infrastructure,” continued Konar.

“We look forward to working together to develop a holistic solution for electrified fleets, further enabling the transportation industry’s energy transition.”

It doesn’t look as if chargers will be located at all 750 locations, with a promise only to deploy chargers at “select Pilot and Flying J” locations that are “ideally positioned along transportation corridors and are well-equipped to serve professional drivers.”