The Genk-based logistics group H.Essers is further expanding its electric fleet with 20 new e-trucks. This brings H.Essers’ electric truck fleet to 31. Yet its 31 battery-electric trucks still account for just 2.3% of its 1,358-vehicle fleet. The company is also expanding charging infrastructure and energy supply across several sites.
The logistics service provider aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions from its transport fleet by 42% by 2030 through operational efficiency, synchromodal transport, renewable energy, and alternative fuels, including electrifying transport activities.
One concrete ambition is to electrify 15% of the fleet by 2030. Purchasing twenty new e-trucks is an important next step toward that goal, but it won’t be enough: the company will need another 173 after this delivery.
MAN and Mercedes-Benz
The expansion includes ten MAN vehicles and ten Mercedes-Benz trucks. The Mercedes e-trucks offer a range of 525-575 kilometers, while the MAN e-trucks offer 400-450 kilometers. Thanks to fast-charging capabilities, vehicles from both brands can recharge in about 90 minutes under optimal conditions.
Although electric trucks currently cost more than conventional vehicles, H.Essers sees their strategic importance and sufficient potential to keep investing in them. The company deliberately takes a long-term approach and believes electrification will be a key building block of more sustainable transport.
Charging capacity
This investment marks the beginning of the next growth phase. The company is actively exploring how to scale this new technology further across other countries and activities.
Alongside the continued expansion of the electric fleet, the company is also investing further in the associated charging infrastructure. In Genk and Bergen op Zoom, installed charging capacity is being expanded to 2.7 MW.
In-house training center
H.Essers continues to invest in electrification for office and warehouse heating and cooling systems, warehouse handling equipment, and passenger cars. Meanwhile, people are also being trained in preparation for the transition to electric mobility.
Through the H.Essers Academy, the company’s in-house training center, drivers, planners, and other employees have received the training needed to work safely and efficiently with new electric vehicles and processes.
H.Essers is a major European logistics group, founded in 1928. The company specializes in complex logistics for chemical, pharmaceutical, healthcare, and industrial customers. It employs more than 7,000 people and is operational in 15 countries. The Group’s turnover is €1,165 billion.
