DACHSER uses e-trucks across national borders in Europe

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An eActros from Mercedes-Benz recently started driving five times a week from the Hof logistics centre to the branch in Kladno near Prague, around 200 kilometres away, and back again. 

For the first time, DACHSER has launched a fully electric truck across national borders. An eActros from Mercedes-Benz recently started driving five times a week from the Hof logistics centre to the branch in Kladno near Prague, around 200 kilometres away, and back again. 

Following a successful test phase in February and May 2023, regular operation of the cross-border connection has now started. On the road with the eActros is the service partner Flytt Logistic GmbH. The swap body train is used in two shifts: During the day, the 40-ton eTruck operates in regional distribution transport in the Hof area, and at night on the cross-border route between Germany and the Czech Republic.

According to the manufacturer, the eActros 300 has an average range of up to 300 kilometres – depending on various factors such as topography or weight. It is charged at fixed charging points and directly at the DACHSER branch in Kladno, Czech Republic. The zero-emission vehicle takes just over an hour to charge. 

“Our tests with the eActros have provided us with important insights into the suitability of electro-mobility for everyday use in long-distance transport,” said Klaus Neubing, General Manager at DACHSER in Hof. “We are very pleased that we have now been able to set up the first cross-border line in DACHSER’s European network in all-electric transport with a great deal of pioneering spirit and teamwork. Together with our long-standing service partner Flytt Logistic GmbH, we have shown that it pays to break new ground.” 

DACHSER is pursuing a long-term climate protection strategy and, with a focus on efficiency, innovation and integrative responsibility, is driving the change towards more sustainable logistics together with customers and service partners. The company has been using battery-powered electric vehicles since 2018, including as part of the sustainable city delivery concept “DACHSER Emission-Free Delivery”. The vehicle fleet with alternative drive systems is constantly being expanded, including in the long-distance sector. 

The project in Hof is funded by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport as part of the directive on the promotion of light and heavy commercial vehicles with alternative, climate-friendly drive systems and the associated refuelling and charging infrastructure (KsNI). The funding guideline is coordinated by NOW GmbH and applications are approved by the Federal Office of Logistics and Mobility.