A charging facility for electric commercial vehicles recently went live in the bus parking lot in front of the Allianz Arena with two charging stations. Jürgen Muth, Managing Director of the Allianz Arena, and Michael Voll, Head of MAN Transport Solutions, discuss the project’s development and future prospects.
Michael Voll: “From our perspective, the Allianz Arena is a logistically ideal location for heavy-duty electric commercial vehicles: It’s located directly at the Munich North highway interchange – one of Europe’s busiest truck corridors, with up to 10,000 vehicles daily. And it offers excellent technical conditions: The arena has a high-capacity power grid that is underutilized on non-game days, making it ideal for high-power charging and, in the future, megawatt charging. For fleet operators, this means: minimal detours, maximum charging efficiency.”
Jürgen Muth: “Currently, truck charging operations are still suspended on match days. However, we’re already planning for the future so that we can then provide the necessary infrastructure for electric fan buses as well.”
Jürgen Muth: “High-performance charging points will turn the Arena into a key hub for electric trucks traveling long distances. In the long term, electric passenger buses – for example, for fan clubs or teams – will also be able to charge there, which will further improve the carbon footprint of match days. As a world-renowned stadium, the Allianz Arena naturally wants to implement its own sustainability strategy and demonstrate that high-power charging is not only possible but also works at public venues. In doing so, we’re making a strategic contribution to the development of a comprehensive charging infrastructure for commercial vehicles along the major A9 and A99 transportation corridors.”
Michael Voll: “We’ve advised the Allianz Arena in a spirit of partnership 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’ve gained from Europe-wide infrastructure projects and collaborations with energy providers.”
Jürgen Muth: “A project like this naturally comes with its own specific challenges. The technical connection to the high-voltage grid was tricky, as the power requirements for simultaneously charging multiple heavy trucks 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.”
Jürgen Muth: “We’re planning in phases: Following the successful launch of the current charging stations, we’re continuously assessing demand. The long-term goal is a charging park that serves as a model for additional charging points, for example at other sports venues, 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.”
Jürgen Muth: “With the current charging infrastructure in place, seven additional charging stations are currently possible at the Allianz Arena.”
Michael Voll: “Many European stadiums meet all the requirements for truck charging infrastructure: large grid connections and low utilization outside of event days. They also offer sufficient space for heavy-duty charging infrastructure and often have good connections to the road network at key transportation hubs. The Allianz Arena project demonstrates how such locations can be utilized. 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 centers, and event venues can become key components of Europe’s eTruck corridors.”