Lidl Netherlands has finalized its nationwide network of fast-charging hubs for electric trucks by opening the sixth facility at its distribution center in Waddinxveen. The retailer now operates charging infrastructure at all six of its regional logistics centers, including sites in Almere, Heerenveen, Oosterhout, Weert, and Etten-Leur.
The Waddinxveen hub supports the company's goal to supply all 440 of its Dutch branches using electric trucks by 2027. This timeline is three years ahead of the original schedule. If successful, Lidl expects to become the first retailer globally to transition its entire store delivery fleet in a single country to electric power.
The charging stations utilize green electricity, partially generated by rooftop photovoltaic systems. While specific power ratings for the new site were not disclosed, the company uses equipment from ABB and Kempower. Previous installations, such as the Almere hub, feature CCS chargers and MCS technology capable of delivering up to 1.2 MW.
Lidl intends to open its charging infrastructure to third-party freight forwarders and local businesses to optimize grid capacity usage. This strategy aims to address regional grid bottlenecks. The company began testing electric deliveries in Amsterdam over a decade ago, and its current electric trucks report ranges exceeding 500 km.
