With the journey of an eTGS Ultra semitrailer tractor from Paris to Berlin in the coming days, MAN will not only demonstrate that long-distance transport by eTruck is now easily feasible in Europe. In addition, as part of the Milence Electric Tour “Power to Go Further”, the commercial vehicle manufacturer also wants to show that this type of drive is also becoming more and more attractive economically. The tour connects Paris and Berlin over around 1,000 kilometers and stops at various Milence charging parks along the route. With the tour, which runs from April 15 to 23, the charging infrastructure joint venture of the TRATON GROUP, Daimler Truck and Volvo Group wants to demonstrate how electric long-distance logistics works in real operation today.
The MAN eTGS Ultra and the MAN eTGX Ultra are the only standard eTrucks on the market with a particularly low semi-trailer height for high-volume automotive trailers and a short wheelbase with a maximum battery capacity of 534 kilowatt hours. This means that up to 570 kilometres in long-distance transport are possible without intermediate charging. The MAN eTGS will demonstrate this performance on demanding long-distance journeys. The tour leads along the public Milence charging points in four countries: St. Witz (F), Ghent (BE), Maasmechelen (BE), Zwolle (NL), Mogendorf (D), Kassel-Lohfelden (D) and Vockerode (D). By participating in the Milence Electric Tour, MAN is not only demonstrating the reliability of the technology, but also how advantageous electric commercial vehicle logistics are already working today in conjunction with a constantly growing e-mobility service ecosystem.
“We are bundling product, advice, digital tools, charging access and financing in one offering that helps our customers get started quickly and easily with electric mobility. The vehicles and services are ready, and now there is a need for an increased expansion of the public charging infrastructure throughout Europe. Milence is already making an important contribution to this, but other infrastructure providers and corresponding framework measures on the part of politicians are also essential for a rapid expansion of the charging network. The transition to electric mobility in road freight transport can only succeed if we work together,” says Friedrich Baumann, Member of the Executive Board for Sales & Customer Solutions at MAN Truck & Bus.
MAN Charge&Go: Easy public charging
The simple use of public charging infrastructure is a key component of MAN’s holistic eMobility approach. The experienced driver from MAN ProfiDrive, who will accompany the Milence Electric Tour, relies on the charging card from MAN Charge&Go. This enables convenient access to a Europe-wide network of public charging infrastructure. Another advantage of MAN Charge&Go is the eTruck-ready standard: all charging stations included in the Charge&Go network have been checked to see whether they are suitable for trucks. To ensure optimum use of the charging stations, regardless of whether they can be approached from the left or right, MAN eTrucks are equipped with one charging socket each on the left and right side.
MAN with 360-degree eMobility approach
In addition to easy access to charging infrastructure, MAN supports its customers with a broad service package for getting started with electric mobility. MAN Transport Solutions supports fleets in the transition from diesel to electric drives, optimising routes, charging strategies and operating costs. MAN DigitalServices creates transparency about energy consumption and vehicle status. MAN FinancialServices offers financing models that facilitate the economic transition. Finally, MAN ProfiDrive ensures a successful start for drivers in electric mobility with comprehensive training courses on how to use electric trucks.
Diverse vehicle portfolio for different applications
MAN already has a comprehensive range of electric trucks on the vehicle side that covers all common transport applications from 12 to 50 tonnes. With the eTGX, eTGS and eTGL, MAN offers solutions for urban distribution transport as well as for use in the construction and municipal sectors in addition to heavy semitrailer tractors for long-haul transport. Different axle configurations, a modular number and positioning of battery packs as well as numerous industry-specific equipment options enable a tailor-made vehicle design.
