Daimler Truck Stock: Aggressive Pricing Strategy Kicks Off in 2025 – What Investors Need to Know

• Why Is Daimler Truck Shifting to Variable Charging Tariffs?
• Hydrogen vs. Batteries: Why Daimler Won’t Back Down
• The Roadblocks: North America Slump and Political Heat
• FAQ: Quickfire Investor Questions

Daimler Truck is making waves with its bold new pricing strategy for electric trucks, aiming to outpace competitors like Volvo and Traton. The joint venture Milence announced variable, country-specific charging tariffs starting January 2026, slashing costs in key markets like France and Spain. Meanwhile, CEO Karin Rådström doubles down on hydrogen despite industry skepticism. But with weak North American demand and political pressure mounting, can Daimler Truck’s dual-track approach pay off? Here’s the full breakdown.

Why Is Daimler Truck Shifting to Variable Charging Tariffs?

Milence, Daimler’s charging infrastructure JV with Traton and Volvo, is ditching flat rates for dynamic pricing. From January 2026, operators in Southern Europe will pay just €0.339/kWh (ex-VAT) – a 22% drop from current averages. This targets the "Total Cost of Ownership" (TCO) gap between diesel and electric trucks. With 30 operational charging hubs across Europe, the MOVE could accelerate adoption of models like the eActros 600. As one BTCC analyst noted, "This isn’t just about kilowatt-hours – it’s about rewriting the economics of freight."

Hydrogen vs. Batteries: Why Daimler Won’t Back Down

While rivals retreat from hydrogen, CEO Rådström insists the GenH2 Truck remains critical. Her argument? Battery-only solutions risk overloading power grids on long hauls. Daimler recently partnered with DHL and Rhenus for real-world testing – a stark contrast to Volvo’s scaled-back fuel cell program. "In my view, betting on one technology is like bringing a scooter to a truck race," quipped an industry insider at SOLUTRANS 2025.

The Roadblocks: North America Slump and Political Heat

Q3 margins took a hit from sluggish U.S. sales, while environmental groups pressure Daimler to drop lawsuits against California’s emission rules. The stock, currently at €35.64, has UBS maintaining a "Neutral" rating with a €41 target. TradingView charts show consolidation NEAR the 200-day moving average – a make-or-break zone for bulls.

FAQ: Quickfire Investor Questions

When do Milence’s new tariffs take effect?

January 1, 2026, with country-specific rates replacing flat fees.

What’s the cheapest charging rate under the plan?

€0.339/kWh (ex-VAT) in France and Spain – currently Europe’s most aggressive pricing.

How many charging hubs does Milence operate?

30 active sites across 8 European countries as of November 2025.