Dachser Tests Electric Mobility at Three Locations

Dachser will develop its branches in Freiburg, Hamburg, and Malsch near Karlsruhe into ‘E-Mobility Locations’ and will focus on researching and testing climate-friendly technologies and processes as well as intelligent power and load management for practical applicability.

(Kempten/Freiburg i. Br./Hamburg/Karlsruhe) The aim is to increase the number of zero-emission vehicles in the entire European Dachser network in the long term and to achieve the goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

The focus is on battery-electric trucks and cars, as well as their charging infrastructure, the use and self-production of renewable electricity, and intelligent power and load management. Additionally, hydrogen trucks and the necessary refueling infrastructure will be tested.

“We expect that road freight transport in the European Union will gradually transition to trucks with emission-free drives in the coming years, depending on the application scenario, either battery-electric or with hydrogen fuel cells. With our research and innovation activities, we are already preparing for this profound transformation of the transport and logistics industry,” says Alexander Tonn, COO Road Logistics at Dachser. “However, there are still some challenges to overcome, especially regarding the range of vehicles, the availability of fast charging infrastructure on highways, and the provision of the corresponding power infrastructure by suppliers at our locations.”

Intelligent Power and Load Management

In Freiburg, which will start as an ‘E-Mobility Location’ in September 2022, intelligent power and load management will initially be the focus. Different power consumers such as trucks from local and long-distance transport, company cars, and employee cars, as well as warehouse vehicles and facility technology, will be linked to self-generated electricity from photovoltaics and intermediate storage in battery buffers. “Freiburg is a city that has always been considered a pioneer in sustainability. As an E-Mobility research location of Dachser, we contribute to climate protection and the sustainable transformation of our company and the industry,” says Michael Gaudlitz, General Manager Dachser Logistics Center Freiburg.

New Battery-Electric Refrigerated Trailers

In Hamburg, starting in January 2023, two topics will be addressed: On the one hand, Dachser will use battery-electric trucks for local and long-distance transport, as well as an intelligent load management system in conjunction with stationary cooling technology. On the other hand, new battery-electric refrigerated trailers will be tested in Hamburg. Additionally, a hydrogen truck will operate in the local transport of the metropolitan region. “As one of the world’s most significant logistics locations, the Hanseatic city of Hamburg is among the most dynamic regions in Europe when it comes to testing and deploying climate-friendly and emission-free technologies in transport and logistics. We are pleased to be able to make an important contribution here,” says Ralf Hansen, General Manager of the two Dachser Road Logistics locations in Hamburg.

Shuttle and Line Services

Also starting in January 2023, the E-Mobility project activities at Dachser in Malsch near Karlsruhe will begin. Battery-electric shuttle and line services with semi-trailers and swap body trains will then be the focus of practical tests. Dachser has its own fleet at this location, allowing for direct experiences with the deployment of new technologies in the process. “Our employees are excited to test new drive technologies and further develop them for daily use in the Dachser network,” says Bernd Großmann, General Manager Dachser Logistics Center Karlsruhe in Malsch. “Furthermore, we also want to closely involve some of our customers in the project.”

Extensive Climate Protection Measures

The research activities at the three designated E-Mobility locations are part of Dachser’s extensive climate protection measures. These include action areas for process and energy efficiency in operations and facilities, as well as research and innovation to promote zero-emission vehicles and renewable energies. Additionally, there is social engagement beyond the boundaries of the company and its core business.

Photo: © Dachser