The Unknown Is Our Greatest Opportunity

Recording of Tuesday, June 23, 2026 | The smarter E Europe Conferences 2026 | Language: English | Duration: 7:41 .

Advancing Electrification and Collaboration in the Trucking Industry

Carla advocates for the electrification of the trucking industry, showcasing her role as a founding member of Volta Trucks and her current position with ME&Trucks in Munich. The shift from diesel engines to electric alternatives is increasingly significant, with over 5,700 electric heavy-duty trucks registered in Europe and more than 21,000 operational batteries deployed by ME&Trucks, demonstrating advancements in battery health and durability. Challenges persist, particularly in resource allocation and communication, which hinder efficiency and collaboration among teams. The fleet operators, predominantly small and medium enterprises, struggle with confidence in the residual value of electric vehicles and face infrastructure issues that delay electrification efforts. Collaboration among regulators, technology partners, and investors is critical to address these challenges and promote innovation. Embracing uncertainty and viewing it as an opportunity for growth is essential for advancing the electrification agenda within the industry.

_{Automated summarization by AI Conver}

Speaker

Carla Ribeiro
Strategic Advisor
MAN Truck & Bus SE
Germany

Talk of session: Building the Backbone of Electric Freight, From Depots to Highways

The electrification of heavy-duty transport is more than just a goal - the transformation is already underway. But scaling up also means having to solve the big challenges: How can we build charging networks that keep pace with fleet electrification without overburdening grids or budgets? What innovations in AI, energy storage and smart infrastructure can turn today's pilot projects into tomorrow's industry standard? And how can OEMs, logistics operators and energy providers align their strategies to make zero-emission freight profitable rather than just possible? From truck manufacturers and charge point operators to logistics innovators and energy experts, this dynamic panel brings together the leaders driving change. We will dive into the real-world solutions making an impact now, like modular charging hubs that grow with demand, fleets and energy optimization solutions powered by AI and smart grid integration that cuts costs and boosts reliability. We will also ask the hard questions: Where are the gaps in collaboration, technology or policy that could slow progress, and how do we close these gaps?

Further Talks of this session: