MAN achieves a historic milestone with the delivery of its first electric heavy-duty HGV, a century after its initial diesel truck debuted.
- The 40-tonne eTGX, designed for zero-emission battery transport, marks a significant shift in MAN’s vehicle technology.
- Board member Friedrich Baumann handed over the eTGX to Dräxlmaier, with two more units expected by year-end.
- The eTGX is powered by a 450hp engine and houses a 534 kWh battery, with 480 kWh usable.
- MAN highlights the urgency for expanded charging infrastructure following the rapid sale of its initial eTruck series.
In a landmark move, MAN has unveiled its first electric heavy-duty vehicle, the eTGX, exactly 100 years after introducing its first diesel alternative. This 40-tonne eTruck is purpose-designed for zero-emission tasks, particularly in transporting essential components such as batteries to the Porsche plant in Leipzig, Germany. The integration of the eTGX sets a new precedent in MAN’s pursuit of sustainable transportation, as expressed by MAN’s board member for sales, Friedrich Baumann, during the handover ceremony to Dräxlmaier.
Friedrich Baumann, representing MAN’s executive board, officially delivered the novel eTGX to automotive supplier Dräxlmaier, emphasizing the significance of this handover. The vehicle itself is noteworthy, equipped with a robust 450 horsepower engine and a substantial battery capacity of 534 kWh, of which 480 kWh is usable. As part of the ongoing transition, an additional two trucks are expected to be dispatched to the same client by the close of the year.
Alexander Vlaskamp, MAN’s chief executive, heralds this moment as the onset of a new electric era. He articulates the company’s readiness to embark on this path after rigorous planning, development, and extensive test drives. This development is celebrated as a ‘real electric success story,’ highlighting a pivotal advancement for MAN and its partners. It is also noteworthy that the eTGX is not sold outright; instead, it is commissioned for operation through Business Fleet Services, ensuring flexibility in its use by logistics firms such as Spedition Elflein.
Reflecting on the strategic partnership, Elflein’s managing director, Stefanie Kotschenreuther, expressed her enthusiasm for pioneering sustainable logistics solutions, citing that eTrucks signify a critical step towards achieving decarbonisation goals within the industry. The initiative underscores a firm commitment from both MAN and its clients towards a greener future.
Simultaneously, MAN is significantly extending its electric truck lineup for its clientele, closely aligning with its UK decarbonisation strategy set for rollout. Early next year, British roads will see the debut of MAN’s demonstration eTrucks amid efforts to broaden its network and accelerate the sale of battery electric vehicles (BEV).
In light of the swift market uptake of its 2024 limited edition models, MAN stresses the necessity for a broader rollout of charging infrastructure across Europe to support and sustain consumer demand.
MAN’s eTGX launch signifies both an operational and ideological shift towards electric transport, reflecting an industry-wide pivot to sustainable practices.
