The Noerpel Group has expanded its fleet at its Ulm headquarters with its first fully electric truck. Since mid-October, the logistics provider has been operating an IVECO S-eWay battery-electric tractor unit as part of its regular service. This deployment is an important milestone in the company’s transition towards alternative-powered commercial vehicles. At the same time, two electric yard tractors have been introduced to support yard logistics operations.
With a gross vehicle weight of 40 tonnes, the all-electric IVECO S-eWay offers a range of up to 450 kilometres. “The vehicle’s long range was a key factor in our decision,” explains Michael Wittmann, Strategic Purchaser at the Noerpel Group.
The electric tractor unit operates on a two-shift schedule each day. During the day, it covers around 100 kilometres on regional distribution routes in the Ulm area before being recharged on site. It is then used on two night services connecting Ulm with the Munich and Augsburg regions. These overnight routes total approximately 400 kilometres.
‘We are delighted to be operating our first electric truck in day-to-day logistics operations,’ says Viktoria Wessel, Head of Sustainability at the Noerpel Group. 'This is an important step on our path towards achieving greenhouse gas neutrality by 2050 at the latest.'
Reducing the carbon footprint
The new electric truck replaces a conventional diesel vehicle previously used on these routes. Based on an average daily mileage of around 500 kilometres, Noerpel expects annual savings of approximately 110 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions.
The vehicle is charged at the company’s headquarters in Ulm. Like the majority of Noerpel’s 28 locations, the site is supplied with 100 per cent renewable electricity. A 400-kilowatt charging station has been installed specifically for the electric truck.
Noerpel is also expanding the use of electric yard vehicles and the related charging infrastructure. These vehicles play a vital role in moving swap bodies and trailers within terminal operations. To support rapid charging, the company is commissioning a new 200-kilowatt charging station and transformer. Following successful trials, two KAMAG ePrecisionMover electric yard tractors entered service in October, one in Ulm and one in Langenhagen near Hanover.
The overall project, including the procurement of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, is being supported with funding of approximately EUR 750,000 under the German federal programme for light and heavy commercial vehicles with alternative, climate-friendly powertrains and associated refuelling and charging infrastructure (KsNI). The programme is coordinated by NOW GmbH, with funding approvals issued by the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility.
Open to new technologies:
Alongside battery-electric vehicles, Noerpel is evaluating other alternative drive technologies. At its Heidenheim site, the company tested a hydrogen-powered 18-tonne truck that can be refuelled and made ready for operation within ten minutes. This trial was conducted in partnership with Hylane, a specialist in commercial vehicle rental.
'We are closely monitoring the rapid pace of technological development, particularly in the field of alternative drive systems,' says Judith Noerpel-Schneider, Member of the Executive Board of the Noerpel Group. 'The investment required for a complete fleet transition is substantial, both for the vehicles themselves and the infrastructure upgrades needed across our locations. That is why we are taking a step-by-step approach, building experience and making informed investment decisions. Economic viability remains a significant challenge, but our commitment to climate neutrality is clear, and we continue to pursue our roadmap for reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout the company.”