Dr. Frederik Zohm, executive board member for research and development at MAN Truck & Bus SE, said: “Around 96 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions of our current diesel vehicles are attributable to the use phase. That’s why battery-electric drives for commercial vehicles are the decisive key to achieving CO2 reduction targets. But for our customers to switch from diesel to battery-electric trucks, a nationwide charging infrastructure is a basic prerequisite. And here we urgently need a significantly accelerated expansion to at least 4,000 megawatt charging points in Germany and 50,000 high-capacity and megawatt charging points in Europe by 2030. We have done our homework, our e-truck is starting to go on sale soon. Now we urgently need the support of policymakers and the commitment of the energy industry in order to jointly make a success of the traffic turnaround in road freight transport.”
BGL board spokesman Prof. Dr. Dirk Engelhardt added: “The climate targets in road freight transport can only be achieved if the framework conditions and operating economics are right. In addition to the availability of vehicles with alternative drive systems, these include the widespread availability of charging and, above all, power grid infrastructure, as well as planning and investment security for funding programs for the switch to electromobility.”
In preparation for series production of the eTruck, it’s undergone testing in -40°C in Sweden and 40°C in Spain. Its latest 10-week testing programme saw the truck cover more than 10,000km in extreme conditions day and night.
To support its customers in the transition to electric vehicles, MAN is training 1200 sales staff for the launch of the eTruck. With megawatt charging, MAN anticipates the eTruck will be able to cover between 600 and 800km daily.
