Contargo Builds Largest Private Charging Network for Heavy Electric Trucks in Germany

Rhenus Trucking GmbH & Co. KG has commissioned SBRS GmbH, a technology provider for electric charging infrastructure for roads, with the largest single order for private charging infrastructure in Germany at the end of January. Throughout the year, SBRS will set up 33 charging points at 14 locations of Contargo in Germany. This will enable the trimodal container service provider to expand its fleet from currently seven electric trucks to 33 in the coming months.

(Duisburg) “This is a milestone on our company’s path to decarbonization by 2045,” says Jürgen Albersmann, Managing Director of Contargo GmbH & Co. KG. “Because building a powerful and future-oriented charging infrastructure is a prerequisite for the widespread use of electric trucks for container transport in local traffic.”

Charging Points at 14 Locations in Germany

Contargo and Rhenus Trucking received the KsNI funding approvals for 28 battery-operated 44-ton trucks and the associated charging infrastructure in June 2022. Rhenus Trucking has ordered the vehicles and will gradually deliver them to its customer and sister company Contargo in 2023 as a service provider. In parallel, SBRS will set up a total of 33 charging points with a power output of 250 kW each at the Contargo locations in Duisburg, Voerde-Emmelsum, Emmerich, Frankfurt-Ost, Industriepark Frankfurt-Höchst, Gustavsburg, Hamburg, Karlsruhe, Koblenz, Ludwigshafen, Mannheim, Neuss, Weil am Rhein, and Wörth.

“With such a powerful charging infrastructure, we can deploy the electric trucks as flexibly as the diesel trucks. At the same time, we offer drivers a future-proof and quiet workplace,” says Michael Starke, Managing Director of Rhenus Trucking.

Andreas Stahl, Managing Director of SBRS: “After successfully initiating the transformation in public transport, we are now realizing the largest infrastructure project for heavy electric trucks together with Contargo.” Stephan Nahmer, also Managing Director of SBRS, adds: “Sustainability is a matter of the heart for us and is embedded in the DNA of our company. Therefore, it is a significant step to reduce emissions on a large scale in the transport sector. Our powerful charging systems enable electric trucks to be fully charged within two hours if needed.

24-Hour Operation Possible

Michael Kleifges, Managing Director of Duisburg Intermodal Terminal: “This enables us to deploy the trucks even in 24-hour operations. By means of short interim charges, we additionally increase their range, which is essential for our flexibility.”

At Contargo, the goal is to drive 1.5 million kilometers per year with these electric trucks: “This allows us to save almost 1,500 tons of CO2e annually, already accounting for one percent of our total footprint,” says Kristiane Schmidt, Sustainable Solutions Contargo. “With the ramp-up of e-mobility, we are offering all our customers the opportunity to significantly reduce their emissions.”

The acquisition of the 28 electric trucks and the corresponding charging infrastructure is being funded under the guideline for the promotion of light and heavy commercial vehicles with alternative, climate-friendly drives and associated tank and charging infrastructure (KsNI) by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport. The funding guideline is coordinated by NOW GmbH, and applications are approved by the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility.

Photo: © Contargo / Image Caption: (l. to r.) Michael Starke, Managing Director of Rhenus Trucking, Bernd Putens, Managing Director Duisburg Intermodal Terminal, Kristin Kahl, Sustainable Solutions Contargo, Andreas Stahl, Managing Director SBRS, Kristiane Schmidt, Sustainable Solutions Contargo, Stephan Nahmer, Managing Director SBRS, Michael Kleifges, Managing Director Duisburg Intermodal Terminal