Belgian intermodal logistics company ECS is piloting two electric trucks in the London area as part of a 16-month test aimed at reducing road freight emissions. The vehicles are operating between ports and customer sites, handling a variety of goods from consumer products to building materials.
The trial, which began earlier this year, focuses on the first and last leg of transport journeys, with rail remaining the core mode for longer distances. ECS is working with KBC Logistics, its first UK partner, which operates a fleet of 350 trucks.
In the first three months, the electric vehicles covered 14,775 kilometres and completed 329 deliveries for 12 different customers. All deliveries were made on time, and the trucks have exceeded performance expectations. Although their range was initially estimated at 200 kilometres, one journey reached 269 kilometres, aided by route planning and adapted driving techniques.
“This test gives us valuable data,” said ECS CEO Sven Pieters. “In a few years, we won’t be mentioning the limitations that are still in place today. Driving range will increase, battery weight will decrease, and trucks will be custom-built for maximum payload capacity.”
ECS intends to analyse the full test results before deciding whether to expand its electric fleet. The company also continues to prioritise rail transport across its European operations. In 2024, ECS transported containers over 73 million kilometres by rail and aims to reach 100 million kilometres by 2030.
The electric truck trial also aligns with the company’s strategy to reduce exposure to the EU Emissions Trading System, which will apply to road freight from 2027.
ECS has also invested in high-capacity ‘super mega trailers’ to improve efficiency, with reported fuel savings of up to 30% compared to standard trailers.
