The start of zero-emission logistics

There was great joy in Munich at the beginning of December when MAN was able to hand over the first eTruck to the Duvenbeck Group. MAN CEO Alexander Vlaskamp, MAN Sales Director Friedrich-W. Baumann, Simon Motter, Head of Volkswagen Group Logistics and Bernd Reining, Senior Director Procurement at Duvenbeck, were keen to be there in person for this milestone on the road to emission-free logistics. And this is just the beginning: according to the letter of intent signed by both parties, Duvenbeck intends to put up to 120 MAN eTGX units into service by 2026.

In the future, the electric trucks will be used for VW factory logistics in the Rhine-Ruhr freight transport area and in the Benelux countries. This makes them a key element in the development of a zero-emission supply chain at Volkswagen. They also help Duvenbeck to offer low-emission and resource-efficient transport solutions as part of the ‘Green Logistics’ corporate initiative.

The eTruck is not only climate-friendly, but also perfectly tailored to the requirements of automotive logistics – making it a pioneer in its class. With a fifth-wheel height of just 950 millimetres and an extremely short wheelbase of 3.75 metres, it is perfect for transporting vehicles. This is because it is not high load weights that are crucial for this, but maximum load volume with an interior height of up to three metres. And thanks to its modular battery concept with a choice of four, five or six battery packs and power levels of 449 and 544 hp, the MAN eTGX Ultra Low Liner can be optimally adapted for any transport task. With maximum battery capacity, it offers a range of around 500 kilometres.

Volkswagen also welcomes this step towards emission-free logistics. ‘Our partner Duvenbeck is taking a bold approach: MAN eTrucks are being used for the first time at the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg,’ says Simon Motter, Head of Volkswagen Group Logistics. ‘This will now enable the technology to prove its suitability for everyday use and its economic efficiency.’ The use of MAN eTrucks is part of the ‘goTOzero impact logistics’ strategy with which Volkswagen has embarked on a path towards consistently sustainable logistics. The use of electric trucks is the most important long-term lever for reducing CO₂ emissions in road transport. The handover of the first electric truck marks a further step in this direction.

The MAN eTrucks are being deployed at Duvenbeck by the TIP Group, one of the leading manufacturer-independent commercial vehicle rental and service providers for the transport and logistics industry. By providing the MAN eTrucks, TIP is enabling companies like Duvenbeck to respond quickly and flexibly to the growing demands of sustainable logistics.