Alternative drivers in use

An eTruck is currently in use for our Gochsheim site – fully electric, quiet and with zero local emissions. The MAN eTGM 26.360 shuttles goods between our logistics centre and the Fresenius plant in Schweinfurt. “However, it is currently too early to make any statements about range and battery charging behaviour,” says Christian Hackl, who heads our central fleet management.

A Terberg fully-electric swap body carrier, tested at the Naila site in April, has already proven its suitability for everyday use. “In operation there were no differences with the diesel model,” says Christian Hackl. “However, the e-variant was much quieter and, most importantly, can save around 450 tonnes of CO₂ equivalents per year. The additional costs, in contrast, including the charging station, are just two and a half times higher.”

Starting in December, five tractor units will run permanently on low-emission liquefied biomethane (bio-LNG) for our automotive division, leading to CO₂ savings of around 80 percent. The reduction is even greater in combination with long trailers, which offer ten percent more cargo volume with almost the same fuel consumption.

For Christian Hackl, fuel cells are the technology of the future when it comes to interregional truck transport. “Unfortunately, mass production is unlikely before 2030,” he says. “But pilot projects will be starting soon, and we will definitely be part of them.”