Cornelissen takes delivery of 27 electric trucks from MAN

The majority of the electric trucks ordered by Cornelissen from Munich-based manufacturer MAN are tractor units: specifically, 25 eTGX tractor units and two classic eTGS electric trucks. ‘With this investment, we are taking an important step towards making our fleet more sustainable and introducing MAN as a new brand in our organisation,’ explains the company. The order from MAN is therefore a first for the Dutch company. Cornelissen does not say where the e-trucks that have already been fleeted come from. However, it is known that the logistics company is one of the test customers for the electric DAF XD and XF trucks.

Cornelissen describes the decision in favour of MAN as a strategic and well-considered move: ‘Although we were not actively looking to expand our fleet, it turned out that MAN offered a solution that perfectly matched our ambitions and customer agreements,’ says Peter Leegstraten, Manager Procurement and Innovation at Cornelissen. ‘The combination of an innovative vision, reliable delivery times and a strong service network convinced us.’ According to Leegstraten, the reactions of the drivers during the first test drives with the MAN eTGX were also consistently positive: ‘The spacious GM cab offers the necessary comfort, while the compact wheelbase of 375 cm is ideal for our supermarket distribution. With a range of around 450 kilometres and convenient charging options on both sides, the trucks fit seamlessly into our day-to-day work.’

The new MAN electric trucks are also pre-equipped for megawatt charging. And: Cornelissen Transport will be one of the early adopters of the eTGX in early summer: Since the first customer handover to the haulage company Elflein in October 2024 (for the transport of battery packs from the supplier Dräxlmaier to the Porsche plant in Leipzig), MAN has so far delivered further units of its eTruck – for example, to the haulage company Duvenbeck, DB Schenker and Dachser. But the quantities are still manageable.

“We believe that the turning point at which electric trucks are more economically attractive than diesel vehicles will be reached as early as 2027 or 2028,” explained Leegstraten. This is partly due to developments such as the upcoming increase in excise duty, the lorry tax and the CO2 tax. However, electrification is only one part of Cornelissen’s sustainability strategy. “For example, we also rely on bio-LNG and have more than 100 LNG trucks in our fleet, and we use electric transport refrigeration with electric axles under our refrigerated trailers. We are therefore aiming for a completely emission-free supply chain.”

cornelissen.nl (in Dutch)