Belgian logistics group H Essers is accelerating the electrification of its road fleet, putting 20 new electric trucks into service as it seeks to cut emissions from its own transport operations.
The company has bought 10 electric trucks from MAN and a further 10 from Mercedes-Benz Trucks, bringing its electric fleet to 31 vehicles. The new trucks are being deployed primarily from H Essers’ sites in Belgium, with some operations also extending into the Netherlands.
The investment comes as European road freight operators face growing pressure to reduce carbon emissions while contending with the higher upfront cost and operational complexity of battery-electric heavy trucks.
H Essers has set a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from its own transport fleet by 42 percent by 2030. It plans to achieve this through a combination of measures including greater operational efficiency, synchromodal transport, renewable energy and alternative fuels.
Electrification is expected to account for a significant part of the strategy, with H Essers targeting an electric fleet equivalent to 15 percent of its total fleet by 2030.
The latest purchases follow a year-long pilot programme involving six electric trucks from three manufacturers. The trial was intended to give the company experience of the practical constraints of deploying battery-electric vehicles in commercial operations, including range, charging and route planning.
The Mercedes-Benz trucks have stated ranges of between 525km and 575km, while the MAN vehicles can travel between 400km and 450km. Both can be fast-charged in about 90 minutes under optimal conditions.
H Essers expands electric tanker fleet with 20 new vehicles
