KEMPTEN, Germany: Dachser is to operate hydrogen-powered vehicles and 50 more battery-powered trucks by the end of next year as part of an zero-emission investment programme to acquire 1,000 more electric cars and vans.

“The only way for the transportation sector to meet the global community’s long-term goal of net-zero emissions is by using zero-emission vehicles,” declared the logistics company’s Chief Development Officer Stefan Hohm. “That’s why such vehicles form a key plank of our own climate protection strategy.”

In Europe the company uses electrically assisted cargo bikes for daily deliveries and electric vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes for short-haul services. By 2024 it will introduce 50 heavy battery-electric vehicles and truck tractors from several manufacturers. At present, the only vehicle it operates is a pre-production model of the 19-tonne Mercedes-Benz eActros in Stuttgart.

“We’ll be expanding our use of zero-emission trucks to the areas of regional and, in particular, shuttle transports this year,” explained COO Alexander Tonn. “We also intend to use battery-powered vehicles to move around swap bodies and semi-trailers at our branches.”

Dachser will also create over 40 truck stations each with 180kW of fast charging powered by green electricity from the company’s own photovoltaic systems.

In a related move, truck manufacturer Scania is delivering five battery electric-powered trucks and 1.6 MW of charging equipment to Swedish company Falkenklev Logistik as part of the haulier’s plan for a 22-vehicle electric charging station at a new depot in Malmö.

The solar-powered site, which could be expanded to charge 40 vehicles simultaneously, will become Sweden’s largest when it opens later this year and include provision for other operators to charge their vehicles, including long-haul electric trucks.

“The charging stations and solar park are an idea I have had for a couple of years,” explained CEO Victor Falkenklev. “With the need to become more sustainable and the way diesel prices are increasing, it was quite obvious to me that we had to do something, and we are committed to electrifying our fleet. The electricity is being generated by solar power, which makes it 100 percent renewable. It’s a really proud moment for us.”