The electrification of long-haul trucking is no longer a distant ambition—it’s a rapidly unfolding reality. With medium- and heavy-duty trucks accounting for 40% of global road transport CO₂ emissions despite representing only 4% of the vehicle fleet, the sector is under pressure to decarbonize. Europe has responded with bold targets: a 45% reduction in truck emissions by 2030 and 90% by 2040. Achieving these goals requires a coordinated effort across technology, infrastructure, and regulation. At the heart of this transformation, LEM plays a pivotal role by delivering trusted energy metering solutions that support the rollout of reliable, scalable charging infrastructure for electric trucks.
E-trucks, with battery capacities reaching 600 kWh—ten times that of passenger EVs—require robust DC fast-charging solutions. Charging needs vary by use case. Depot charging allows for longer sessions (6–8 hours) at moderate power levels (200–400 kW), where Combined Charging Systems (CCS) are sufficient.
Average time for AC and DC charging
En-route charging, however, is more demanding. EU regulations mandate 45-minute rest breaks every 4.5 hours, creating a narrow window for recharging. Megawatt Charging Systems (MCS), delivering over 1 MW, are essential to meet these needs but introduce challenges such as thermal stress and grid load peaks.
Charging sites typically offer 2–8 MW across multiple CCS and MCS points.
An electric truck charging site combining multiple charging points
Dynamic power sharing is key to optimizing energy distribution and managing infrastructure costs. In this complex ecosystem, accurate energy metering is essential—not just for operational efficiency but for fair and transparent billing.
LEM has been a pioneer in electrical measurement for over 50 years. Recognizing the emerging needs of EV charging early on, LEM became the first company to develop DC billing meters tailored for fast-charging stations, compliant with European and North American regulations. These meters ensure precise kWh-based billing, a critical factor in managing the total cost of ownership for e-trucks.
LEM’s Direct Current Billing Meters (DCBMs), including the DCBM 400/600 and DCBM 100, are designed for both fast and destination charging. They offer real-time energy monitoring, secure communication with charger controllers, and compliance with key standards such as MID 2014/32/EU, Eichrecht (Germany), and CTEP/NTEP (North America). These meters support charging systems up to 600A and 1000V DC, ensuring accurate billing and seamless integration into complex charging infrastructures.
As charging infrastructure expands, LEM continues to innovate. For depot charging, new communication cable designs support overhead systems, allowing metering sensors to be installed remotely while keeping user interfaces accessible—ideal for both new installations and retrofits.
For high-power en-route charging, LEM’s new DC Energy Sensors (DCES) provide robust, high-precision metering. With current ratings up to 1500A and wide operating temperature ranges (-40°C to +85°C), DCES meters are built for the demanding conditions of MCS applications. They deliver secure, signed energy data for billing, real-time monitoring, and remote updates—ensuring reliability and compliance across diverse charging environments.
LEM’s expanding portfolio of certified metering solutions is helping lay the foundation for a decarbonized long-haul transport sector. By ensuring accurate, transparent energy measurement, LEM supports fair billing, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance—key pillars for scaling electric truck infrastructure.
As the industry moves toward electrification, LEM remains a trusted partner, accompanying stakeholders through every phase of the transition. From depot to en-route charging, LEM’s solutions empower operators to build reliable, future-ready infrastructure that supports the global push toward sustainable freight transport.