'Many European stadia meet the requirements for lorry charging infrastructure'

A charging station for electric commercial vehicles, featuring two charging points, recently went live in the bus park in front of the Allianz Arena. We spoke with Jürgen Muth, managing director of the Allianz Arena, and Michael Voll, head of MAN Transport Solutions, about the project’s progress and future prospects.

Interview with Jürgen Muth and Michale Voll on the Allianz Arena charging station

The first two charging points for electric lorries at the Allianz Arena went into operation at the end of 2025. Why does it make sense to have a charging station for electric lorries there?
Michael Voll: “From our point of view, the Allianz Arena is a logistically ideal location for heavy-duty electric commercial vehicles. It’s situated directly at the Munich North interchange – one of Europe’s busiest lorry corridors, with up to 10,000 vehicles passing through daily. And it offers excellent technical conditions. The arena has a high-capacity power grid that is underutilised on non-matchdays, making it ideal for high-power and, in the future, megawatt charging. For fleet operators, this means minimal route deviation and maximum charging efficiency.”

What happens on FC Bayern matchdays, when you need the power for stadium operations?
Jürgen Muth: “Lorry charging services are currently still suspended on matchdays. However, we are already making plans for the future so that we can provide the necessary infrastructure for electric fan buses as well.”

Does the Allianz Arena operate the lorry charging station itself?
Jürgen Muth: “We own the charging infrastructure and are supported in the operation of the charging points by Milence, a company with expertise in the electrification of heavy-duty freight transport. In this arrangement, we provide the space and technical infrastructure so that the operator of the charging site can offer its specialised charging technology for commercial vehicles.”

What aim is the Allianz Arena pursuing with the construction of the charging infrastrructure for heavy-duty commercial vehicles?
Jürgen Muth: “With high-performance charging stations, the Arena will become a key hub for electric trucks travelling long distances. In the long term, electric tour buses – for example, those used by fan clubs or sports teams – will also be able to charge there, which will further improve the carbon footprint of matchdays. As a world-renowned stadium, the Allianz Arena naturally wants to implement its own sustainability strategy and demonstrate that high-performance charging is both possible and effective at public venues. In doing so, we are making a strategic contribution to the development of a comprehensive charging infrastructure for commercial vehicles along the major A9 and A99 transportation corridors.”

What role has MAN played in the development of the lorry charging station?
Michael Voll: “We have advised the Allianz Arena as partners from the very beginning – from the initial grid load analysis and power sizing to the integration of the megawatt charging infrastructure. Our MAN Transport Solutions team always takes a data-driven approach to projects: we model load profiles, application scenarios, traffic patterns and energy flows. Based on this, we developed a suitable charging concept that is technically robust, grid-compatible and future-proof. In addition, we contribute the expertise we have gained from infrastructure projects across Europe and collaborations with energy suppliers.”

What were the biggest challenges in the construction?
Jürgen Muth: “A project like this naturally comes with its own set of challenges. The technical connection to the high-voltage grid was tricky, as the power requirements for simultaneously charging multiple heavy goods vehicles are enormous. Logistical coordination – that is, integrating the infrastructure in a way that doesn’t disrupt regular stadium operations – was also a complex planning process. However, thanks to close and constructive collaboration with MAN and Milence, as well as local authorities, we were able to successfully overcome these hurdles.”

What’s your vision for the future?
Jürgen Muth: “We plan in stages: following the successful launch of the current charging points, we’re continuously assessing demand. Our long-term goal is to create a charging network that serves as a model for additional charging points, such as at other sports facilities, particularly in Germany. We want to expand the necessary infrastructure so that the transition to electric powertrains in heavy-duty and bus transportation is no longer a logistical hurdle, but becomes a reality right on our doorstep.”

Can this project be a blueprint for other football stadiums in Europe? What requirements must they meet?
Michael Voll: “Many European stadia meet all the requirements for lorry charging infrastructure: large grid connections, low utilisation outside of event days. They also offer sufficient space for heavy-duty charging infrastructure and often good connections to the road network at key transportation hubs. The Allianz Arena project demonstrates how such locations can be utilised. The basic requirements are: a robust medium-voltage connection, clear load management strategies, flexible operating concepts, and partners with expertise in heavy-duty charging infrastructure. If these parameters are met, stadiums, convention centres and event venues can become key components of European e-truck corridors.”

How important is consultation when planning charging infrastructure?
Michael Voll: “For passenger cars, charging infrastructure is largely standardised but in the truck sector, the situation is quite different: grid connections, charging windows and driving profiles vary enormously among our customers. Furthermore, the design of the charging infrastructure plays a decisive role in determining a system’s cost-effectiveness. That is why consulting is not just an add-on, but the foundation of a successful project. We analyse depot structures, routes, energy costs and service windows, and use this information to develop charging and energy concepts that are technically robust and economically viable.”