Nordzucker: Electric trucks for sugar beets - a quiet revolution?

Nordzucker: Electric trucks for sugar beets - a quiet revolution?

Something is happening in the area of ​​sustainable logistics in Uelzen! Nordzucker started a test run 14 days ago in which sugar beets were transported with an electric truck. The aim of this project is to reduce CO2 emissions in sugar production. But how does it all work and what challenges need to be overcome?

Already at the beginning of the experiment there were mixed results. While the idea of ​​zero-emission transport is popular, there are some practical difficulties standing in the way. The electric trucks used for transportation have a lower payload and cannot easily replace traditional diesel trucks. A transport weight reduced by two tonnes means that additional journeys are necessary, which in turn increases the overall logistics costs. In addition, there are often too few charging stations available in rural areas, which makes planning transport difficult.

Technical challenges and adjustments

In order to improve the charging situation, Nordzucker has installed a charging station on its own premises. The electric truck requires an impressive output of 600 kilowatts and has to be charged continuously for a full 12 hours with a charging capacity of 40 kilowatts. With a high traffic volume of up to 1,000 trips per day, logistical challenges arise that not only affect the drivers, but also put the company's entire planning to the test.

As an alternative, a renewable diesel substitute, HVO (hydrogenated vegetable oil), is used. Although this is ecologically more advantageous, Nordzucker has to cover the price difference to conventional diesel itself in order to make the use of HVO more attractive to freight forwarders.

Advantages and outlook

Despite all the challenges, there are also positive aspects. The low-noise driving style of electric trucks is not only perceived as pleasant by the drivers, it also helps reduce stress in everyday working life. In addition, the partners Nordzucker and the freight forwarder Bernd Bothe already have ambitions to set up a charging station network for trucks outside the motorways in order to improve the range and availability of electric trucks.

A detailed evaluation of the test is planned for the future in order to gain insights that may pave the way for further environmentally friendly transport solutions.https://www.az-online.de/uelzen/stadt-uelzen/nordzucker-testet-elektro-lkw-fuer-rueben-transport-in-uelzen-94010120.html

Nordzucker's commitment shows that the path to more sustainable production is paved with numerous challenges, but is also full of opportunities.