Cost of recharging an electric truck: a key issue for hauliers

Switching to electric trucks is as much a strategic choice as an ecological one. But for fleet managers and transport professionals, one crucial question remains: how much does it really cost to recharge an electric truck ? There are many variables between the different power levels of charging stations, charging locations, business models and available subsidies. And yet, understanding these costs is essential to controlling your TCO (total cost of ownership) and achieve a sustainable energy transition. Far from preconceived ideas, recharging an industrial electric vehicle can be optimized by adopting the right strategy and working with the right partners.

Factors influencing the price of charging electric trucks

The transition to electric trucks is well underway, offering companies an opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint while keeping operating costs under control. However, the cost of recharging these vehicles depends on a number of variables that need to be understood in order to optimize the total cost of ownership (TCO).

Power and type of charging station

Charging stations for electric trucks vary in terms of power, directly influencing charging time and cost. Fast-charging stations, offering power ratings from 150 kW to 350 kW, enable faster charging, but can be more expensive. Conversely, lower-power stations require longer charging times, but can be more economical. So it's crucial to choose the right infrastructure for your fleet's specific needs.

Charging location: depot or mobile

The charging location also has an impact on cost. Recharging vehicles at the depot during off-peak periods can benefit from lower electricity rates. On the other hand, roaming charging, particularly at public charging stations, can involve variable costs, depending on the operator and location. It is therefore essential to assess the fleet's travel habits to determine the most economical recharging strategy.

Electricity pricing and energy contracts

The price of electricity fluctuates according to the contract you sign and the time of day you use it. Opting for contracts with preferential rates during off-peak hours can significantly reduce the cost of recharging. What's more, some companies choose to invest in renewable energy sources, such as solar power, to power their charging stations, offering greater control over energy costs.

By working with experts such as Bump, companies can benefit from tailor-made solutions to optimize these different factors. Bump offers an in-depth analysis of each fleet's needs, enabling the design of an appropriate recharging infrastructure, while keeping the associated costs under control. Thanks to an integrated approach, including installation, maintenance and intelligent recharging management, Bump facilitates the transition to electric vehicles, guaranteeing optimum operational efficiency.

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What are the average recharging costs for an electric truck in 2025?

The market is evolving fast, but it is now possible to identify price ranges for recharging electric trucks or even electric buses and refrigerated trucks. These benchmarks enable fleet managers to better anticipate their expenses and build an efficient operating strategy.

Cost estimates by recharge type

The cost of charging an electric truck depends mainly on three parameters: the charging location, the power of the charging station, and the time of day. Here are some orders of magnitude in 2025:

Type of rechargingEstimated average cost (€/kWh)Cost of full recharging (400 kWh)At depot, off-peak0.15 to 0.19 €/kWh60 to 76 €At depot, peak0.20 to 0.28 €/kWh80 to 112 €At standard public terminal0.30 to 0.40 €/kWh120 to 160 €At ultra-fast terminal (MCS)0.45 to 0.60 €/kWh180 to 240

Please note: these costs may vary according to energy contracts, terminal power and operator service charges.

Why anticipation is essential

The more a manager anticipates his needs, the more he can reduce his cost per kWh. Depot charging, properly planned and optimized with intelligent energy supervision, remains the most economical solution in the long term. By integrating storage or renewable energy systems, some companies are even reducing their dependence on the grid.

This is where Bump makes the difference: by building business models tailored to each company, Bump offers optimized pricing strategies, often accompanied by a competitive electricity supply contract. Charging becomes a controlled cost item, and not a factor of uncertainty in the TCO.

Controlling TCO: the key to making an electric truck profitable

If there's one indicator to keep a close eye on when making the transition to electric, it's TCO - total cost of ownership. Because yes, even if the purchase and installation price seems higher at the outset, a well-run electric truck can quickly become more profitable than a diesel over its entire lifetime.

TCO elements of an electric truck

The TCO of an electric industrial vehicle is calculated over its entire life cycle. Here are the main items to consider:

• Vehicle purchase price often higher, but amortizable with subsidies.
• Installation of charging stations: an initial investment, but stabilized over time.
• Energy costs (electricity): much lower than diesel, especially if you optimize off-peak hours.
• Servicing and maintenance: electric vehicles have fewer wearing parts, so lower servicing costs.
• Vehicle service life: often longer, thanks to the reliability of the electric powertrain.
• Tax benefits and ZFE access: tax exemptions, CO2 bonus, and no downtown traffic restrictions.

How to optimize TCO with an intelligent recharging strategy

This is where the right technological and operational choices make all the difference. Installing an appropriate, well-sized recharging infrastructure, with fast charging stations in the right places, can drastically reduce the cost per km.

By opting for energy supervision, you can plan recharges during the cheapest hours, avoid consumption peaks, and even integrate energy storage or production solutions. The result? Optimized TCO, preserved margins and smoother operation.

With its turnkey solution, Bump enables transport companies to control every parameter of TCO: choice of equipment, energy management, remote control, financing and maintenance. An integrated approach that simplifies life for fleet managers, while maximizing the profitability of the switch to electric vehicles.

What grants and subsidies are available to reduce the cost of recharging electric trucks?

The French government and European institutions have understood the strategic importance of electrifying road transport. By 2025, several aid schemes will be in place to help companies purchase heavy-duty electric vehicles and finance recharging infrastructure.

Aid for the purchase of electric trucks

For companies wishing to invest in electric trucks, subsidies are available to reduce the initial purchase cost, which is often higher than a diesel equivalent. In France, the most relevant schemes include:

• The ecological bonus for commercial vehicles: up to €50,000 for a new electric truck.
• The conversion bonus, if the vehicle replaces an old diesel truck.
• Regional subsidies (particularly in Île-de-France, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Hauts-de-France...) which often complement national subsidies.

These systems considerably reduce the cost of the vehicle, and even out the investment costs between diesel and electric.

Aid for the installation of recharging infrastructures

Installing a truck charging station represents a substantial investment. Fortunately, there are a number of grants available to help offset these expenses:

• Visit program Advenir program (now extended to heavy-duty vehicles) finances up to 60% of installation costs, with a ceiling adjusted according to power output.
• European calls for projects, such as the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), support infrastructure projects for green logistics, particularly along major transport corridors.
• Local subsidies can also be applied for, in particular via local authorities involved in Low Emission Zones (ZFE).

And the good news is that Bump takes over the complete management of grant applications for its customers. Thanks to its regulatory expertise, the operator helps companies to obtain subsidies, avoiding administrative pitfalls and maximizing available funding. A concrete way of reducing the financial burden of the energy transition, while speeding up its deployment.

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