DB Schenker Expands EV fleet to Boost Sustainable Logistics

DB Schenker has completed a year-long trial of two FUSO eCanter electric trucks in Finland, demonstrating their ability to operate efficiently in harsh winter conditions.

The global logistics provider continues to integrate EVs into its supply chain, aiming to reduce emissions and improve the sustainability of logistics operations.

The electric trucks have been used for local and regional transport, proving reliable even in temperatures as low as -30°C.

DB Schenker now operates around 50 FUSO eCanter trucks across Europe, predominantly for last-mile deliveries and has been expanding its EV fleet since 2018.

The company continues to invest in electric mobility, ensuring supply chain resilience while benefiting from environmental and economic advantages.

Tristan Keusgen, Head of European Fleet Management at DB Schenker, says: “We are committed to pioneering solutions that meet the demands of modern logistics. We have been successfully operating two electric trucks in Finland for a year now.

“With this successful deployment of electric trucks in a region like Lapland, which has difficult weather conditions, we are proving once again that DB Schenker is leading the way to a sustainable future of logistics.”

How can electric trucks help supply chain logistics?

As the logistics industry moves towards greater sustainability, the adoption of EVs is playing a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and dependency on fossil fuels.

Regulatory changes, consumer demand for greener transport solutions and advances in EV technology are encouraging companies to integrate electric trucks into their supply chains.

Within this context, DB Schenker continues to expand its electric fleet across Europe.

In December 2024, the company introduced 40 Volvo FM Electric trucks into its German fleet.

These vehicles, suitable for both regional and urban transport, are designed to cut CO2 emissions and improve logistics efficiency. Each vehicle can cover up to 300km on a single charge, making them well-suited to collection and delivery operations within DB Schenker’s network.

This marks the first time last-mile electric trucks with trailer capacity have been deployed in Germany and highlights the company’s dedication to making sustainable logistics scalable and efficient.

Ralf Többe, Head of Land Transport Cluster DE/CH at DB Schenker, states: “By integrating 40 Volvo FM Electric trucks to our fleet, we at DB Schenker are making a strong statement towards a sustainable future for logistics in Germany. We are demonstrating that with a willingness to invest in expertise, low-emission logistics solutions are already possible on a larger scale today.”

Scaling up electric transport for long-haul logistics

Beyond urban deliveries, DB Schenker is also pioneering the use of electric trucks for long-distance transport.

In May 2024, the company became the first to deploy R 450e electric trucks in Sweden, integrating them into daily logistics operations after extensive research as part of the E-Charge project, an initiative that involved 14 partners collaborating to develop and test battery-electric long-haul transport.

The tests were adapted to drivers’ schedules, ensuring the electric trucks could maintain efficiency while also meeting regulatory requirements for rest periods.

Anna Hagberg, Head of Network & Scheduled Services at DB Schenker, explains: “For DB Schenker, the purpose is to test and gain experience of fully electric heavy vehicles in long-distance regular traffic. The electrification of heavy vehicles plays a crucial role in our transition to carbon-neutral transport and, since heavy traffic accounts for the largest emissions for us, it is incredibly important.”

Strengthening sustainability and supply chain efficiency

DB Schenker’s investment in electric trucks demonstrates how EVs can enhance supply chain sustainability by lowering emissions and improving operational efficiency.

The adoption of electric trucks in Finland has reinforced the reliability of alternative fuel transport in extreme weather, ensuring timely deliveries and preventing weather-related delays.

By integrating more EVs into its fleet, DB Schenker is aligning with global net-zero targets and Scope 3 emissions reductions while securing long-term sustainability for its logistics network.

These developments not only future-proof the company’s supply chain but also encourage the wider adoption of electric vehicles in logistics.

With ongoing advancements in EV technology and infrastructure, DB Schenker continues to lead the way in sustainable logistics.

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