The transformation to electric trucks is about more than just the vehicles – there are also infrastructure, intelligent charging concepts and new financing methods to consider. That’s why MAN Transport Solutions and MAN FinancialServices are supporting customers with a comprehensive consultation Part 5 in our series on e-mobility in action and the future of logistics.
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The logistics sector is facing the biggest transformation in its history. In the years to come, the combustion engine will gradually be replaced by battery electric drives and the changes involved will be far-reaching. A freight forwarder who has purchased a diesel truck just has to press the start-stop button and – to put it simply – drive off. But when switching to e-trucks, there is a whole system landscape to consider and plan beyond just buying the vehicle. Many transport companies feel initial uncertainty regarding issues such as driving range, charging infrastructure, grid connections and, last but not least, the higher procurement costs. To break down these uncertainties and provide a transparent demonstration of the economic advantages of e-trucks, MAN started the Transport Solutions division back in 2018, which today advises customers on how to successfully make the switch to e-truck and e-bus fleets.
If a customer knows that he's going to need five megawatts of power at his depot in the year 2030, he needs to start discussions with his grid operator today. “
The comprehensive eConsultation
“An e-vehicle is not a plug-and-play option like a diesel vehicle. We have to explain the entire ecosystem to the customer,” said Michael Voll, Head of MAN Transport Solutions. That’s why, together with his team and over 100 specially trained “eMobility Champions” across Europe, he uses the logistics providers’ current situation as the starting point
The extensive consultation process begins long before they actually buy an electric vehicle. In the first step, the experts analyse the customer's specific routes. Using topography, payload and operating profile, they calculate whether and how the e-truck can reliably and economically complete the transport task. “The initial anxiety about driving range has now turned into anxiety about charging options,” said Voll. But this concern can also be resolved through a precise, data-based plan.
From depot check to transformation plan
As soon as the routes have been analysed, the second step is to design the charging infrastructure. For most fleet operators, the most cost-efficient way of charging electric vehicles is to do so on their own company premises. MAN provides non-proprietary advice in order to identify the right hardware – from the classical wallbox to the megawatt charger – but this alone is not enough. “We also offer intelligent charging management,” explains Voll. Those who connect their fleet to the grid at night shouldn't have to risk facing expensive load peaks. Smart software controls the charging process to minimise the grid charges payable by the freight forwarder or the operator of a bus fleet.
The actual bottleneck in e-mobility, however, often lies under the surface in the grid connection itself. “If a customer knows that he's going to need five megawatts of power at his depot in the year 2030, he needs to start discussions with his grid operator today,” said Voll. MAN Transport Solutions creates detailed “fleet transformation plans” for precisely this kind of long-term planning. These plans show the stages in which a freight forwarder can convert a diesel fleet to electric vehicles, when the infrastructure needs to be available and how the energy demand will also gradually expand.
The battery has a much longer life than is generally assumed. This reduces depreciation and enables us to offer longer terms. “
It comes down to the TCO
Once the technical concept is in place, it’s time to look at the figures. It currently costs about two and a half times as much to buy an e-truck as to buy a comparable diesel truck. “The biggest challenge lies in supporting the customer beyond the hurdle of this initial investment,” reports Sebastian Noah from MAN FinancialServices. The solution is to provide a holistic view of the total cost of ownership (TCO).
Once it’s in operation, the e-truck soon makes up for the higher procurement costs. E-vehicles are exempt from tolls in Germany, for example, electricity is cheaper than diesel, there’s no need to buy AdBlue anymore – and the maintenance costs also tend to be lower.
To reduce the monthly instalments payable by freight forwarders to an attractive level – often comparable to the level for diesel vehicles – MAN FinancialServices also adapts the terms of the agreement. Whereas diesel trucks are usually leased over 36 to 48 months, the leasing period for e-trucks is often extended to 60 to 72 months. “The battery has a much longer life than is generally assumed. This reduces depreciation and enables us to offer longer terms,” adds Gertraud Thurner from MAN FinancialServices.
Security for freight forwarders
As a manufacturer-owned finance company, MAN FinancialServices understands the vehicle technology in detail and can better assess risks than a conventional household bank. From leasing by the kilometre to hire purchase, the residual value risk of the new technology lies with MAN in case of any doubt. For freight forwarders, this means planning security.
Text: Christian Buck
Fotos: MAN
