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After a year of intensive practical tests between Wolfsburg, Lehrte, and Barcelona, the EcoDuo pilot project in Germany has been successfully completed. The EcoDuo, a vehicle combination of two standard semi-trailers connected by a dolly and pulled by just one tractor unit, has proven to be efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly in the pre- and post-haulage of combined transport.
(Horstmar) The project was initiated by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) and carried out in collaboration with Sesé, Kombiverkehr, Volkswagen Group Logistics, TÜV Rheinland, and Schmitz Cargobull.
Andreas Schmitz, CEO of Schmitz Cargobull AG, emphasizes: “Compared to previous long truck concepts, the EcoDuo meets all safety standards and is ideally suited for combined transport, as standard semi-trailers can be loaded onto trains without complications. The EcoDuo is immediately available without expensive investments and makes a direct contribution to CO₂ reduction in road freight transport.”
Efficiency and Climate Protection in Focus
TÜV Rheinland scientifically accompanied the EcoDuo pilot project, and the results confirm significant savings potential and efficiency increases: Compared to the use of two tractor units with one standard trailer each, diesel consumption and the corresponding CO2 footprint were reduced by 27.6 percent with the EcoDuo. Road freight transport can be made more efficient through a significant reduction in trips while maintaining the same transport volume. The standard trailers are fully compatible with rail transport, allowing for seamless integration into existing intermodal logistics processes. Reduced CO2 emissions, as well as lower road stress per axle, actively contribute to the protection of climate and infrastructure. TÜV Rheinland also certifies a significant relief of roadways and bridges.
Positive Network for Long Trucks in Germany
Andreas Schmitz: “Schmitz Cargobull will continue to advocate for the inclusion of the EcoDuo concept in the positive network for long trucks in Germany and cross-border transport in Europe. I urgently appeal to policymakers to pave the way for this. We must urgently create framework conditions that actively promote the transition to climate-friendly freight transport without additional burdens. Only in this way can we strengthen the competitiveness and innovative strength of the European location.”
Photo: © Schmitz Cargobull
