Rieck Logistics Group Adds First E-Truck to Fleet

With a ceremonial handover, the deployment of the first eTruck, a Renault Trucks D E-Tech, for the Rieck Logistics Group begins today. The customer project with Siemens is another step on the holistic path of sustainable logistics. The vehicle is expected to cover approximately 150 kilometers daily in Berlin’s urban traffic.

(Grossbeeren) Rieck exclusively uses the Renault Trucks D E-Tech for its customer Siemens. The truck, equipped with a box body and a lift platform, primarily transports production materials between three Siemens plants and the external warehouse operated by Rieck. The electric truck can carry six tons and will cover about 150 km daily in urban traffic. Overall, the truck has a range of 200 km.

“Our goal is maximum sustainability with efficient logistics processes,” says Philipp Strenge, managing partner of the Rieck Logistics Group. “Accordingly, we continuously evaluate which measures can be sensibly implemented for climate protection.” The first photovoltaic system is now online, and more are in planning. A dedicated e-charging station is under construction; the entire truck fleet consists of Euro6 vehicles. The practical applicability of an eTruck has previously failed due to range, payload capacity, charging infrastructure, and high acquisition costs.

Funding Call for E-Mobility Provided the Impetus

A funding call for electric mobility in the payload sector last year facilitated the launch of the project. A feasibility study and several test days also provided important insights into the framework conditions and performance in practical operations. “It is great to be able to implement this project together with Siemens as the initiator,” explains Stefan Rieck, managing partner of the Rieck Logistics Group. “In such a cost-intensive project with a long lead time, trust among all parties involved plays a fundamental role – for that, we would like to express our gratitude.”

Emission-Free and Practically Applicable

The eTruck replaces a conventional 12-ton truck that was previously used on this route. The batteries are charged overnight at the Siemens site. “We are shaping a future-proof, sustainable, and resilient Supply Chain Logistics that is tailored to our business processes,” says Thomas Exner, project manager at Siemens Smart Infrastructure Logistics.

The eTruck is being handed over to Rieck today by Renault Trucks. “Rieck had very specific requirements regarding the body, range, and practical applicability,” summarizes Tassilo von Domarus, e-Mobility Manager at Renault Trucks. In particular, the combination of lift platform and payload at a low total weight was essential for Rieck – a combination that was hardly offered before. “We are proud that our first electric series truck and our specific configurations meet the requirements precisely.”

Further Routes for E-Trucks Are Being Evaluated

Rieck will closely analyze the results of the pilot project. In the long term, additional routes will be identified where an eTruck can be sensibly deployed.

Photo: © Rieck Logistics Group