Großbeeren, 11.08.2022. The first eTruck for the Rieck Logistics Group is being put into operation today with a ceremonial handover. The customer project with Siemens is a further step on the holistic path to sustainable logistics.
Rieck is using the Renault Trucks D E-Tech exclusively for its customer Siemens. The project with Renault Trucks is being implemented as part of the directive on the promotion of light and heavy commercial vehicles with alternative, climate-friendly drive systems and associated refueling and charging infrastructure (KsNI) by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport Affairs. 80% of the additional expenditure for the electric vehicle compared to a diesel vehicle was subsidized by the state. The funding guideline is coordinated by NOW GmbH and applications are approved by the Federal Office for Goods Transport.
The Renault Trucks D E-Tech with box body and lifting platform mainly transports production materials between three Siemens plants and the external warehouse operated by Rieck. The electric truck can carry six tons and will cover around 150 km a day in urban traffic. The truck has a total range of 200 km.
Sustainable and efficient
“Our goal is to achieve the highest possible sustainability with efficient logistics processes,” says Philipp Strenge, Managing Partner of the Rieck Logistics Group. “Accordingly, we are continuously evaluating which measures can be implemented to protect the climate.” The first photovoltaic system is already connected to the grid and more are planned. A dedicated e-filling station is under construction; the entire truck fleet consists of Euro6 vehicles. The use of an eTruck has so far failed due to its practical suitability – both in terms of range, load capacity and charging infrastructure as well as the high acquisition costs.
A call for funding for electric mobility in the payload sector last year made it easier to get the project off the ground. A feasibility study and several test days also provided important insights into the framework conditions and performance in practical operation. “It’s great to be able to implement this project together with Siemens as the initiator,” explains Stefan Rieck, Managing Partner of the Rieck Logistics Group. “In such a cost-intensive project with a long lead time, trust between all those involved plays a fundamental role – we would like to thank them for that.”
Emission-free and practical
The eTruck replaces a conventional 12-ton truck that was previously used on this route. The batteries are charged overnight on the Siemens premises. “We are creating future-proof, sustainable and resilient supply chain logistics that is tailored to our business processes,” says Thomas Exner, Project Manager at Siemens Smart Infrastructure Logistics.
The eTruck is being handed over to Rieck by Renault Trucks today. “Rieck had very precise requirements in terms of body, range and practicality,” summarizes Tassilo von Domarus, Manager e-Mobility, Renault Trucks. In particular, the combination of lifting platform and payload with a low overall weight was essential for Rieck – a combination that was rarely offered in this form. “We are proud that our first electric series truck and our specific configurations meet the requirement profile exactly.”
Rieck will analyze the results of the pilot project in detail. The aim is to identify further routes on which an eTruck can be used sensibly.
