A historic moment for MAN

The series production of MAN electric trucks has started. But that's not the only thing that's special. Anyone visiting the Munich plant from now on can witness firsthand how both electric and diesel trucks are manufactured on the same line. What's behind this change, and how does this new production system work? We asked around.

MAN eTruck SOP

What is behind this change?

Alexander Vlaskamp (MAN Truck & Bus CEO): “The start of series production of our electric trucks is historic. It marks a turning point in our history! The future of MAN begins now, at this very moment. The entire MAN team is proud to be actively shaping the transformation from diesel to electric drive. Our highly efficient electric trucks will make locally emission-free freight transport a reality. This is an enormously important step towards achieving our goal of becoming CO2-neutral by 2050. The fact that we can manufacture the electric trucks on the same production line as our state-of-the-art diesel trucks also gives us enormous flexibility and increases production efficiency. We have invested almost 400 million euros in research and development to be able to offer our conventional truck product portfolio with battery-electric drive as well. The range extends from 12 to 50 tonnes and covers everything from refuse collection vehicles to long-haul trucks.

What must politicians do now?

Alexander Vlaskamp (MAN Truck & Bus CEO): We have done our homework. We aim to deliver the first 1,000 electric trucks by the end of the year. Depending on their use and electricity mix, this would save CO2 emissions comparable to those of a small town. That is enormous leverage! Politicians must now set the right course with regard to infrastructure expansion and CO2 pricing so that the ramp-up in e-mobility continues to gain momentum.

How does production work on a line?

The transformation is now clearly visible at MAN's main plant. Maximum production capacity currently stands at around 100 trucks per day, regardless of the drive type. It takes around eight hours to manufacture a truck.

Michael Kobriger (Member of the Executive Board for Production & Logistics): “The production of electric or diesel trucks on a single line can be flexibly adapted to market developments, and the vehicles can be built exactly in the order in which they are ordered by customers. This innovative concept is accompanied by extensive changes along the assembly line as well as in the supply chain and logistics. We are investing around one billion euros in the conversion to electrification of our European plants in this decade – a large part of this in Germany. This is also a strong industrial policy signal for Bavaria as a business location, as we are actively shaping the transformation in Nuremberg and Munich.”

For example, while combustion engines are initially fitted with axles, tanks and exhaust systems, the electric models are instead fitted with two batteries under the cab together with other electrical components – the so-called power pack. More than 5,000 employees have been trained in high-voltage technology for this transformation.

Are the MAN eTrucks already on tour and how far do the electric lions get in everyday driver use?

Before starting series production, MAN has already manufactured almost 200 electric pre-series trucks and delivered them to customers. These vehicles have already clocked up around two million kilometres in real customer use on European roads – some with daily journeys of up to 850 kilometres and very low consumption of 97 kWh per 100 kilometres on average. MAN has already received around 700 orders for electric trucks. The etruck is particularly attractive for use in automotive logistics, among other things, as the Ultra-Lowliner semi-trailer tractor is unique on the market with its fifth-wheel height of just 950 mm and a wheelbase of 3.75 metres. This means that fully electric transport with an internal loading height of three metres is also possible. The electric Ultra Lowliner is already in use in Wolfsburg and Bavaria for automotive supply in various route profiles.

Another advantage of the etruck is its three to six modular NMC batteries, which come from the MAN plant in Nuremberg and offer a total gross capacity of up to 534 kWh. This means that up to 500 kilometres can be covered without recharging. For even greater ranges, there is even an optional seventh battery, which makes it possible to drive up to 740 kilometres on battery power without recharging.

The MAN eTruck production in Munich