Craiss erweitert Fuhrpark um zwölf Elektro-Lkw. Foto: Craiss Generation Logistik
Craiss Generation Logistik GmbH & Co. KG is investing in alternative drive systems and expanding its fleet with a total of 12 electric Mercedes trucks: two eActros 300s are going into operation in Austria and ten eActros 600s in Germany. The international logistics service provider with its headquarters in Mühlacker sees great potential in electric drives and has therefore had the two vehicles for Austria specially converted to make them independent of combustion engines. Craiss is also looking into other alternative drive options that will enable the company to offer even more sustainable solutions in the future.
“Ordering the eActros is an important investment in electromobility for us and therefore a big step towards sustainability,” says Michael Craiss, Managing Director of Craiss Generation Logistik GmbH & Co. KG. The expected delivery date for the 600 models is not for another twelve months, but Craiss is happy to accept the long wait in favor of the CO2 balance.
The purchase of the new vehicles also pays off financially. Although e-trucks are usually twice as expensive to lease as conventional truck models, there are no toll costs for them. This offsets the monthly costs – provided the vehicles cover around 500 kilometers per trip. Craiss believes that the only obstacle at the moment is the charging infrastructure, which is not yet widely developed in Germany. The vehicles are therefore to be used in the existing regular service business so that charging stations can be firmly integrated into the route planning.
Two electric trucks of the predecessor model eActros 300 will go into operation in Austria in October. The vehicles are designed for regional local transport and have a range of 300 kilometers. In shuttle service, they will cover a distance of ten kilometers several times a day for Craiss on behalf of a local energy company. The purchase was facilitated by financial support from the EU. The two eActros 300s are the only ones of their kind in German-speaking countries. As electric trucks are not allowed to be taller than four meters, Craiss had the two vehicles converted. With their lower chassis, they can now also transport high trailers, such as those required in the automotive industry.
