Logistics company Eutraco orders 50 eActros 600 electric trucks
Eutraco has announced that it has purchased 50 eActros 600 electric trucks from Mercedes-Benz dealer Ghistelinck Autobedrijven in Waregem, Belgium. According to the logistics company, this makes it the first transport company in Belgium to have such a large fleet of electric trucks. “We have made a fundamental decision to fully commit to the sustainability of our fleet. Sustainable transport with electric trucks is indeed possible at the same cost as diesel trucks,” said CEO Serge Gregoir. Although an electric truck is more expensive to purchase than a diesel model, the lower total cost of ownership eliminates the difference within eight years.
Eutraco currently operates 160 diesel trucks that transport goods between customers and its own or external warehouses in the Benelux countries and France. The fleet is now to be quickly converted to electric drive: By the end of 2025, dealer Ghistelinck Autobedrijven plans to deliver the first 50 electric lorries as part of a €14 million investment. This accounts for around a third of the Eutraco fleet – and is only the first step on the further electrification path.
“It is a clear strategic choice for us to fully embrace sustainable transport. Unlike hydrogen-powered trucks, electric trucks are already technologically advanced. They have a range of 500 km and can be charged quickly, which fits perfectly within our core activities,” added Gregoir.
The company’s locations throughout the country – including Willebroek, Ghent and Roeselare – will soon be equipped with additional charging stations, charging bays and large storage units so that all lorries can be charged on-site. Up to 75 per cent of the chargers will be powered by green electricity from the company’s solar panels in combination with the battery systems, according to the company statement.
In addition to its high sustainability ambitions, Eutraco has also set itself the goal of becoming the third-largest logistics provider on the Belgian market in the short term. The logistics specialist’s customers include Coca-Cola European Partners, GB Foods, Betafence, HUBO and Longi. By the end of 2025, the group plans to manage 685,000 square metres of logistics space, taking into account ongoing construction projects.
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