(Commonwealth) _ Duvenbeck, a well-established player in the freight forwarding and logistics industry, has embraced the future of sustainable transportation by welcoming a new generation of eco-friendly truck tractor units into its fleet. These innovative vehicles are characterized by a lower chassis and state-of-the-art battery-powered technology, representing a significant step towards achieving emissions-free transportation solutions within the logistics sector. The defining feature of this cutting-edge vehicle is its “low deck” design, allowing it to exclusively transport trailers with an interior loading height of three meters. These specialized trailers, often referred to as “mega trailers,” excel in efficiency, particularly in the context of services related to the automobile industry. By maximizing cargo space utilization, they are exceptionally well-suited for the transportation of automotive goods and components.
The foundation of this low-deck tractor unit lies within Volvo’s FM range of vehicles, specifically the MID CAB model. What sets this unit apart is its electrification, a transformation carried out by Designwerk Technologies, a subsidiary of Volvo with its headquarters situated in Switzerland. This adaptation empowers the vehicle with battery-powered capabilities, reducing its environmental footprint and aligning with the growing global push towards cleaner and greener transportation alternatives. Duvenbeck’s adoption of these forward-looking tractor units represents a significant commitment to both environmental sustainability and efficient logistics operations. As the industry continually seeks innovative ways to reduce emissions and minimize its environmental impact, Duvenbeck’s embrace of these eco-friendly units positions them as a leader in the pursuit of sustainable freight transportation.
In a world where environmental concerns and sustainability have become central themes, Duvenbeck’s investment in this new generation of truck tractor units is a testament to their dedication to pioneering a more environmentally conscious future in the logistics sector. These vehicles not only enhance efficiency but also represent a pivotal shift towards cleaner and greener logistics solutions, fostering a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to freight forwarding. Duvenbeck is deploying this groundbreaking vehicle for highly productive shuttle services catering to select customers in the automobile industry, facilitating transportation between locations such as Herne in Germany and Ghent in Belgium. Notably, this battery-powered version represents Duvenbeck’s first venture into long-distance services for the German market.
Bernd Reining, the Fleet Manager at Duvenbeck, highlights the significance of this move, stating, “We’re taking another step towards electrifying our fleet by using the battery-powered electric tractor unit. In our role as a logistics partner for the automobile industry, we’ll support our customers’ transformation process towards e-mobility by providing even more electrical and eco-friendly transport services for goods in the future.”
The performance and viability of the new low-deck electric truck have already been demonstrated during recent weeks. When the vehicle’s battery is fully charged to its capacity of 340-kilowatt hours, it can cover distances of up to 275 kilometers, even when carrying a full load. When coupled with suitable charging infrastructure, this electric truck stands as a ready-to-market solution that contributes significantly to the long-term reduction of environmentally harmful emissions in customers’ transportation networks. Robert Frehen, the Chief of Staff at Duvenbeck, underscores the environmental benefits, remarking, “The new low-deck electric truck has already demonstrated its suitability for long-distance services during the last few weeks. If the battery is charged to a level of 340 kilowatt hours, the vehicle is able to travel up to 275 kilometers – even when fully loaded. When used in conjunction with the suitable charging infrastructure, this electric truck is making a market-ready and long-term contribution to reducing environmentally damaging emissions in our customers’ transport networks.”
