Transco is investing in electric mobility
April 8, 2024, by the TRANSCO Team
We have expanded our fleet with six battery-electric Volvo tractor-trailers. This means that approximately ten percent of our heavy-duty in-house fleet at our German locations is now electrified. The new vehicles have 600 horsepower and currently achieve a range of around 250 kilometers. With this step, we are actively driving the development of sustainable transport solutions while simultaneously gaining valuable experience in daily operation.
Focus on regional and local transport
Electric trucks are currently used primarily for regional transport and in-house transport. Transport to and from Switzerland, as well as feeder and backhaul runs in combined transport, are also among their typical applications. Our initial experiences in day-to-day operations have been positive: the vehicles integrate reliably into existing processes and have been well received by drivers.
Customers are increasingly demanding sustainable transportation options
More and more companies are looking to make their supply chains more sustainable and reduce CO₂ emissions. As a result, demand for low-emission transportation solutions is also on the rise. By deploying our electric trucks, we help our customers achieve their sustainability goals and build more climate-friendly supply chains. Sustainability is increasingly becoming a key component of modern procurement and logistics strategies.
Cost-effectiveness remains a challenge
Despite these positive developments, electromobility in heavy-duty transport still requires significant investment. The purchase price of electric trucks remains significantly higher than that of conventional diesel vehicles. Added to this are rising energy costs and the necessary investments in charging infrastructure. Nevertheless, we view electromobility as a key component of the future of logistics and are making a conscious effort to invest in this technology at an early stage.
The Future of Logistics: Multiple Propulsion Technologies in Parallel
In our view, the transportation industry will not focus on a single propulsion technology in the future. Instead, we expect a smart mix of different solutions. Battery-electric vehicles are particularly well-suited for regional transport, while alternative fuels such as HVO or, in the future, hydrogen offer additional possibilities. LNG can also continue to play an important role as a transition technology. The key will be to use the right solution for each specific application.
Sustainability as a long-term strategy
Sustainable transportation has been part of our corporate strategy for many years. As early as 2014, we gained our first experience with natural gas vehicles and began exploring alternative powertrains at an early stage. With the expansion of electric mobility, we are now taking the next step while continuing to invest in sustainable transportation concepts and our own energy generation. Our goal is to actively make our logistics operations more sustainable over the long term.