By In addition to trucks with other alternative drive technologies such as (bio-)LNG, HVO100, or hydrogen (fuel cell), which are already in use at numerous GLS locations, the new electric truck now completes the GLS fleet.
Emissions saved over 20,000 kilometers
Meanwhile, over 1,100 emissions-free and low-emission delivery vehicles are in operation daily for GLS in more than 250 German cities. With the battery-electric truck, the parcel service has already covered over 20,000 kilometers and transported around 150,000 packages, 2,500 per day. In this way, several tons of greenhouse gas emissions are saved annually.
GLS Regional Director Jakob Nielsen emphasizes the positive development of recent years:
“We are driving the conversion of our vehicle fleet and the decarbonization of our services forward out of intrinsic motivation and testing innovations in many areas where they make sense.”
All the better from Nielsen’s perspective if the transport partners are also open to technology.
“Only through scalable solutions throughout the entire value chain can we succeed in shaping a future-proof logistics service. The newly introduced electric truck proves: we are also on a good path in long-haul transport.”
Route planning becomes a challenge
The truck is equipped with a battery capacity of 540 kW. A full charging process is possible with a standard fast charger within two hours. The real-tested range of up to 350 kilometers under full load also allows for longer distances.
On the Road in the Pedestrian Traffic
The truck currently operates between the GLS locations in Franconian Kürnach and Neuenstein in Eastern Hesse, thereby utilizing the maximum possible range on a daily basis. The charging process takes place in Neuenstein and can be seamlessly integrated into GLS’s logistic daily operations.
“For many applications, the Volvo FH Electric is already not only an alternative but with good planning, the best choice,” asserts Christoph Fitz, Director of New Vehicle Sales at Volvo Trucks in Germany.
Plan Smartly
While the testing of new technologies grants GLS valuable insights, the use of the electric truck also requires a shift in thinking: The drivers employed were intensively trained to use the new technology safely and efficiently in long-distance traffic. The route planning, including potential inclines and declines, must also be precisely coordinated with the vehicle.
Hans Pabst, managing partner of the GLS partner company Pabst Transport adds:
“It is not possible to simply put the electric truck on the road. In light of the still expandable public charging infrastructure for the heavy-duty sector and dependence on weather, for example in colder temperatures, we plan each operation in advance through our own scouting team.”
As part of the sustainability strategy, the fleet of electric trucks is to be expanded in cooperation with other GLS partners, interested customers, and, if possible, with government support.
Translated automatically from German.
