The requirements were high, the selection small, the search long: “The combination of lifting platform and payload with a low overall weight was relevant for us,” explains Gunnar Jung, Key Account Manager at Rieck. “In addition, it should be ready for series production to guarantee reliability in day-to-day business.” This combination was rarely offered. A feasibility study and several test days ultimately tipped the scales in favor of the Renault Trucks D E-Tech and the start of the project.
Since then, the Stromer has been used exclusively for our customer Siemens and mainly transports production materials between three plants and the external warehouse operated by us.
"We took start-up difficulties into account and have a plan B in our pockets. But so far everything is going as hoped."
The first few weeks now show the performance in practical operation – weather and temperature have an impact on power consumption and excessive traffic jams or detour on the required range.
The handling also works smoothly: the driver was already able to familiarize himself with the vehicle during the test days. The almost silent driving is particularly pleasant for him, only the handlebars and seat cannot be adjusted as individually in the eTruck as in conventional models. “But we would have been surprised if there was nothing to optimize,” smiles Toralf Heinke, Rieck driver in local transport.
Together on the green road
The project was implemented from the outset with Siemens as the initiator. The batteries are also charged at night here. Due to the very high acquisition costs, a call for funding for electromobility in the payload sector last year also facilitated the joint approach. “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,” summarizes Stefan Rieck, Managing Partner of the Rieck Logistics Group. If the eTruck proves to be practical in the long term, further suitable routes will be identified.