Recent headlines in Danish media have highlighted that only one percent of Danish trucks are electric, underscoring a reluctance among transport companies to electrify their fleets due to a scarcity of charging stations.
To combat this infrastructure shortfall, the bus company Tide Bus Denmark has revised its strategy for its Aalborg charging network, which boasts 130 rapid chargers. Typically, these chargers are used overnight when the company's own electric buses are idle. To optimize the use of these facilities, Tide Bus Danmark will now offer access to other companies during daytime hours for a fee.
The initiative was developed in partnership with the charging platform Spirii, enabling Tide Bus Danmark to open its stations to external users, thereby creating an additional revenue stream. The company controls the availability of the chargers, user access, and pricing.
Steen Rügge, CEO of Tide Bus Denmark, expresses enthusiasm for the project, noting its alignment with the company’s innovative approach and commitment to the green transition. Additionally, the initiative contributes to the company's goal of achieving profitable operations:
“Recognizing the challenges posed by the slow pace of transition in Danmark's heavy transport sector, largely due to the substantial costs associated with infrastructure and electric vehicle investments, we are pleased to have identified a solution. This solution not only supports our own transition financially but also extends charging opportunities to a broader spectrum," he stated.
Tore Harritshøj, CEO of Spirii, commends Tide Bus Danmark for being a pioneer in Denmark by opening its private charging facilities to a wider audience, urging others to follow their lead.
"Numerous rapid chargers are currently being installed to support the transition of heavy transport. By making these facilities available to other companies, we not only hasten this transition but also enhance the business viability of these investments, encouraging further expansion of the infrastructure. Tide Bus Danmark is leading by example, and I hope this will inspire other companies to do the same, benefiting both the environment and their financial outcomes," he explains.
The new charging station, located at Egnsplanvej 100 near the new super hospital in Aalborg, will be operational from 06:45 to 18:00 on weekdays, and from 06:00 to 20:00 on weekends and holidays.
Companies with electric vehicles are invited to use the charging services after coordinating with Tide Bus or Spirii.