DB Schenker is continuing the electrification of its long-distance transport fleet and has put the first ten of a planned 100 MAN eTGX Ultra Low Liners into operation. DB Schenker and MAN have also signed a letter of intent for 50 MAN eTGL 12-tonne trucks for distribution transport, which will be available to order from April 2025.
“In addition to taking over the first long-distance electric trucks from MAN, we have signed a letter of intent to acquire 50 MAN eTGLs. Until now, an electric 12-tonne truck was not available on the market. The eTGL changes that. It is ideal for last-mile deliveries. We are proud to have contributed our expertise to its development and are looking forward to the first production model,” explains Marc Pühler, Senior Vice President System Operations at DB Schenker in Europe.
Flexibility through rental
The first ten MAN eTGXs at DB Schenker are being deployed by TIP Group, one of the leading independent commercial vehicle rental companies and service providers for the transport and logistics industry.
“Our goal is to equip our customers with modern, environmentally friendly vehicles and support them on their path to greater sustainability,” adds Oliver Bange, Vice President Central Europe Region at TIP Group.
The new vehicles will be used at various DB Schenker locations in Germany and are intended to help reduce CO₂ emissions in long-distance transport.
“We are very pleased to be the first customer to put a fleet of 10 MAN eTGX trucks into operation. Some vehicles will be used in daily scheduled services within our general cargo network in two-shift operations, for example, on a daily round trip between our locations in Dortmund and Hanover. Other vehicles will be used specifically for our customers in the automotive and consumer goods sectors,” explains Cyrille Bonjean, Executive Vice President Land Transport at DB Schenker in Europe.
Ultra Low Liner eTruck: MAN eTGX leads its class
These specially developed MAN eTGX Ultra Low Liner tractor units perfectly complement DB Schenker’s mega trailer fleet, optimising usable volume per trip with an internal height of three meters—particularly relevant for the automotive and consumer goods industries.
The electric trucks have a range of approximately 500 kilometers and are equipped with a modular battery system that allows rapid interim charging with up to one megawatt of power.
Further details on the MAN eTGX:
- Fifth-wheel height of only 950 mm
- Very short wheelbase of 3.75 meters
- Optionally available with four, five, or six battery packs
- Power levels of 449 and 544 hp
- In addition to the standard CCS charging technology (up to 375 kW), it can also be ordered with the new MCS standard, offering up to one megawatt of charging power.
MAN eTGL for distribution transport:
- Up to 235 kilometers of range
- Fast charging in around 30 minutes
- Payload of up to 6,600 kilograms, depending on the configuration
Funding from the Federal Ministry
The ten MAN eTGX trucks were funded by the Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and Transport (BMDV). The funds come from the subsidy program for light and heavy commercial vehicles with alternative, climate-friendly drives, as well as the associated refueling and charging infrastructure (KsNI), which is coordinated by NOW GmbH.
With this fleet expansion, DB Schenker continues its sustainability strategy and is consistently investing in innovative transport solutions to decarbonise road freight transport.