Craiss Generation Logistik GmbH & Co. KG is investing in alternative drives and expanding its fleet with a total of 12 electric trucks of the Mercedes brand: two eActros 300s are going into operation in Austria, and ten eActros 600s in Germany.
The logistics service provider sees great potential in electric drives and has therefore had the two vehicles specially converted for Austria in order to create independence from internal combustion engines.
In addition, Craiss is examining other alternative drive options that are to enable the company to offer even more sustainable solutions in the future.
“For us, ordering eActros is an important investment in electromobility and thus a big step towards sustainability,” says Michael Craiss, Managing Director of Craiss Generation Logistik GmbH & Co. KG.
The expected delivery date for the 600 models is still twelve months away, but Craiss is happy to accept the long wait to benefit its carbon footprint.
Ten electric trucks for Germany
To expand the fleet, Craiss has ordered ten latest-generation Mercedes eActros 600s. This model name represents the approximate range of the electric truck.
Overall, the newly developed vehicle has a battery life of about 1.2 million kilometres, according to the manufacturer.
“The limited range has long been a hurdle when it comes to using electric trucks, and, so, the 600 models are a small revolution. The charging times fit well with the legally prescribed breaks for drivers and enable efficient use,” reports Michael Craiss.
Cost-efficiency through toll savings
The purchase of the new vehicles is also financially worthwhile. Although in leasing e-trucks are usually twice as expensive as conventional truck models, they do not incur the toll costs.
This compensates for the monthly costs – provided that the vehicles cover around 500 kilometres per trip.
The only obstacle Craiss sees at the moment is in the charging infrastructure, which has not yet been expanded extensively in Germany.
The intention is therefore to use the vehicles in the existing scheduled services business, so that charging stations can be permanently integrated into the route planning.
Two unique short-haul vehicles in Austria
Two electric trucks of the predecessor model, the eActros 300, will go into operation in Austria in as early as October.
These vehicles are designed for regional public transport and have a range of 300 kilometres. Used in shuttle traffic, they will cover distances of ten kilometres several times a day for Craiss on behalf of a local energy company.
The acquisition was supported by financial support from the EU.
The two eActros 300s are the only ones of their kind in the German-speaking world.
Since electric trucks are not allowed to be taller than four metres in total, Craiss has had the two vehicles converted. With their lower chassis, they can now also transport high trailers, such as those needed in the automotive industry.
Long-term investments for a sustainable future
According to the managing director, the technology of electric trucks fits well with the company’s future plans: “Our customers attach great importance to environmental protection, and we want to offer them green solutions that are tailor-made to their requirements.”
At the same time, Craiss is therefore looking at other low-CO2 drive types, such as HVO100 and biogas.
Craiss already relies on LNG vehicles for regular transport logistics tours.
The investment in further sustainable drives primarily depends on the customers’ wishes.
The company already sees the increasing focus on electromobility as a paradigm shift that will have a lasting impact on the industry: “More and more energy companies and start-ups are building charging stations, for example, in supermarket car parks,” reports Michael Craiss.
“With our new vehicles, we are sending a powerful signal that will further advance the expansion of the necessary infrastructure,” he adds.
