Quietly and without a puff of smoke, we set off together with an electric truck from the Upper Austrian transport company hofmann & neffe, winding our way up serpentine bends, hairpin turns and past imposing peaks to the Hochtor – home to Austria’s highest DC charging station. We believe logistics and e-trucks are a perfect match, especially in such a unique natural setting. Together, we traversed the legendary pass road with its nearly 50 kilometres of length and breathtaking mountain panorama. On board with us was journalist Armin Grasmuck, eager to experience the power of the e-truck first-hand and to inspect KEBA’s newly installed fast-charging station.

At the wheel sits experienced driver Charly Buchgeher. Despite countless kilometres under his belt, he can hardly conceal his excitement about this tour. The road, with its tight hairpin bends and relatively short straights, would normally be a challenge for conventional trucks – and their drivers. Quite the opposite with the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600, which accelerates effortlessly out of every corner. After winding up the pass through serpentine curves, the Alpine peaks towering over 2,000 metres quite literally lie at your feet. An uplifting experience for both driver and passenger, who from their cab several metres above the asphalt enjoy a unique perspective – as journalist Armin Grasmuck notes: “Looking out of the side window, especially in the hairpin bends, you’re left speechless as the mountain walls drop away steeply beneath you.”

Upon reaching the summit of the pass road, the combination of fully electric articulated lorry and trailer heads straight for the newly installed DC charging station. Operated by GROHAG – the Grossglockner High Alpine Road AG – it represents a strong step towards the tourism of the future. As Austria’s highest mountain, the Grossglockner and its High Alpine Road remain a magnet for visitors – and more and more of them are now arriving in electric vehicles. A reliable charging infrastructure is therefore essential. Today, 14 DC and 44 AC charging stations from KEBA are already available along the route.

Since this summer, a KEBA KeContact DCA10 has been added to the charging offering on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, making it Austria’s highest fast charger.

The station features two charging points and an integrated payment solution – and remains completely unfazed by the altitude. During the practical test, it was put through its paces. The decisive factor was consistency: throughout the entire charging process it delivered a steady 160 kW – precisely its full rated output.

Especially in Alpine altitudes, where technology is often pushed to its limits, this level of reliability sends a strong signal. It proves that KEBA charging technology performs under extreme conditions – from urban environments to challenging high-mountain passes, and from passenger cars to heavy-duty trucks. Robust in construction, reliable in performance and simple to operate. A symbol that e-mobility has not only arrived but is working everywhere – even on the roof of the Alps.

“I’ve been driving trucks at hofmann & neffe for more than 33 years. Testing the electric truck at the Hochtor was something very special. What impressed me most was the charging curve of the KEBA fast-charging station: constant and reliable – exactly what you need in everyday use. It’s clear that solutions are being developed here that really suit heavy transport,”, says Charly Buchgeher, truck driver and workshop manager at hofmann & neffe.

Just over an hour’s drive from the Hochtor, at KEBA’s plant in Oberlienz, East Tyrol, the DC charging station in use – the KeContact DCA10 – was manufactured. The fact that a station supplying electric vehicles at 2,504 metres above sea level is produced almost within sight of the Alps makes one thing clear: “Made in Austria” is more than a promise of quality – it embodies local roots, short supply chains and a commitment to the environment.

With two charging points, a direct payment function and a charging capacity of 160 kW – expandable to 320 kW if required – KEBA’s KeContact DCA10 is equipped for a wide range of applications. Manufactured in Austria and deployed across Europe, it stands as a symbol of how strong regional roots and international focus work hand in hand.

“With our station on the Grossglockner, we demonstrate that e-mobility is ready for every application – from passenger cars to heavy-duty transport. Our charging infrastructure is powerful, efficient and reliable, even under extreme conditions,”, explains Stefan Richter, CEO at KEBA Energy Automation.

P.S. A road trip we won’t forget anytime soon! Above all, we wish Charly – the passionate truck driver who is heading into a well-earned retirement after 33 years at hofmann & neffe – all the very best. Thank you for an unforgettable adventure at breathtaking heights!