Depotcharge Raises €2.7M for Electric Truck Charging Network

Munich-based startup Depotcharge has successfully closed a €2.7 million pre-seed funding round, signaling a significant step forward in addressing the critical infrastructure needs of electric heavy-duty vehicles. The investment, spearheaded by High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF), saw participation from prominent venture capital firms including xdeck Ventures, Kopa Ventures, and Prequel Ventures, alongside strategic angel investors from the logistics, e-mobility, and energy sectors. This capital infusion is earmarked for accelerating the development of Depotcharge's innovative shared charging platform and fueling its international expansion.

Complementing its funding success, Depotcharge has forged a pivotal partnership with the Bundesverband Güterkraftverkehr Logistik und Entsorgung (BGL e.V.). This collaboration will see the launch of 'BGL Charge,' a nationwide shared charging network specifically designed for Germany's road freight industry. The initiative aims to unlock the underutilized charging capacity at logistics depots, transforming them into accessible charging hubs for a wider array of electric trucks.

The core of Depotcharge's offering lies in its intelligent platform, which connects existing, often idle, charging infrastructure at logistics companies with other fleet operators. This model addresses a key challenge in the electrification of freight: the high cost and limited availability of dedicated charging points. By enabling the sharing of depot charging facilities, Depotcharge allows operators to monetize their investments while providing drivers with more convenient and potentially cost-effective charging options compared to public networks.

Depotcharge's platform empowers depot operators to set their own pricing, define access rules, and manage availability, while the company handles the complexities of access control, invoicing, and payment processing. Crucially, the system is designed to be hardware-agnostic, integrating seamlessly with various charging equipment, backend systems, and vehicle manufacturers. This flexibility is key to fostering widespread adoption across a diverse logistics sector.

The 'BGL Charge' network, facilitated by this partnership, will extend this sharing economy principle across Germany. Logistics firms can opt to open their charging points to other fleets, gaining reciprocal access to a broader network of charging locations. The initiative also benefits from the involvement of E.L.V.I.S. AG, a purchasing cooperative that will aggregate demand from its member companies, further bolstering network utilization and creating a more robust ecosystem. Joscha Specks, CEO and co-founder of Depotcharge, emphasized the symbiotic nature of the model, stating, "The idea behind Depotcharge is simple: logistics companies share their charging infrastructure with one another and unlock economic value across the sector."

Looking ahead, Depotcharge plans to deepen the integration of charging solutions into daily transport operations. This includes developing reservation systems, open interfaces, and connections with existing transport management systems, aiming to streamline the charging process and enhance operational efficiency for electric fleets. The company's strategic vision positions it to play a crucial role in the ongoing transition to sustainable road freight in Europe.