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Mercedes-Benz Trucks: Twelve eActros at Craiss

Ten Mercedes eActros 600 complement the German line service of the logistics company, two eActros 300 operate on short routes in Austria. Further investments in environmentally friendly drives are planned.

Craiss relies on alternative drives and expands its German line business with a total of twelve electric trucks from the Mercedes brand. (Photo: Craiss Generation Logistik)
Craiss relies on alternative drives and expands its German line business with a total of twelve electric trucks from the Mercedes brand. (Photo: Craiss Generation Logistik)
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Johannes Reichel
von Christine Harttmann

The transport and logistics service provider Craiss Generation Logistik is expanding its fleet with a total of twelve electric trucks from the Mercedes-Benz Trucks brand: Two eActros 300 will be put into operation in Austria and ten eActros 600 in Germany.

The company sees great potential in electric drive and has therefore had the two vehicles specially converted for Austria to be independent of combustion engines, according to a press release. In addition, Craiss is examining further alternative drive options to be able to offer even more sustainable solutions in the future.

Delivery date in twelve months

"The order of the eActros is an important investment in electromobility for us and thus a big step towards sustainability," explains Managing Director Michael Craiss.

The expected delivery date for the 600 models is in twelve months, but the company is willing to accept the long wait in favor of the CO2 balance.

Ten Electric Trucks for Germany

A total of ten latest-generation eActros 600 trucks are set to expand the fleet of the freight forwarder. The model designation stands for the battery capacity of the E-Truck, which achieves a range of around 500 kilometers. According to the information provided, the new development has a battery life of approximately 1.2 million kilometers.

“The limited range was long an obstacle for the use of electric trucks; therefore, the 600 models are a small revolution. The charging times align well with the legally mandated breaks for drivers and allow for efficient deployment,” reports Craiss.

Economical Benefits through Toll Savings

Financially, Craiss is convinced, the investment is worthwhile. Although E-Trucks are generally twice as expensive to lease as conventional truck models, the toll costs are eliminated. This balances out the monthly costs, provided the vehicles cover around 500 kilometers per trip. The only obstacle the freight forwarder currently sees is the charging infrastructure, which is not yet comprehensively developed in Germany. Therefore, the vehicles are to be used in existing line traffic, enabling the charging stations to be firmly integrated into route planning.

Two Unique Short-Range Vehicles in Austria

In October, two electric trucks of the predecessor model eActros 300 will be put into operation in Austria. The vehicles are designed for regional short-range transport and have a range of 300 kilometers. For Craiss, they will be traveling a distance of ten kilometers several times a day on behalf of a local energy company. The acquisition was financially supported by the EU.

The two eActros 300 are the only ones of their kind in the German-speaking region. Since electric trucks can be no more than four meters high, Craiss had both vehicles modified. With their lower chassis, they can now also transport high semi-trailers, as needed in the automotive industry, for example.

Long-Term Investment in a Sustainable Future

The technology of the electric trucks fits well into the company's future plans, according to the managing director:

“We want to offer our customers, who place great value on environmental protection, tailor-made green solutions to meet their requirements.”

Therefore, Craiss is also examining other low-CO2 propulsion systems such as HVO100 and biogas. For regular tours in transport logistics, the company already relies on LNG vehicles. Whether further investments in sustainable drives will be made depends primarily on customer demands.

In the increasing focus on electromobility, the company already sees a paradigm shift that will sustainably shape the industry:

“More and more energy companies and start-ups are building charging stations, for example in supermarket parking lots,” reports Craiss. “With our new vehicles, we are sending a powerful signal that will further advance the development of the necessary infrastructure.”

Translated automatically from German.
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