DB Schenker’s Electric Trucks Boost Supply Chain Resilience

Global logistics provider DB Schenker continues to improve the sustainability, efficiency and reliability of logistics operations through the use of electric trucks across Finland.

The trucks were used for regional and local transport in customer operations and continued to be reliable at temperatures as low as -30°C.

DB Schenker has around 50 FUSO eCanter trucks across Europe. The logistics organisation has predominately utilised these for last-mile transport since 2018. 

Deploying this innovative form of transport has meant DB Schenker can maintain sustainable logistics operations in all weather conditions and access many environmental and economic benefits. 

Tristan Keusgen, Head of European Fleet Management at DB Schenker, explains: “We are committed to pioneering solutions that meet the demands of modern logistics. We have been successfully operating two electric trucks in Finland for a year now. 

“With this successful deployment of electric trucks in a region like Lapland, which has difficult weather conditions, we are proving once again that DB Schenker is leading the way to a sustainable future of logistics.”

The role of electric trucks in modern supply chains

The adoption of EVs is allowing the logistics industry to evolve to meet changing sustainability targets, cut emissions across supply chains and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Sustainable logistics are becoming a competitive advantage for organisations due to greater consumer demand for greener delivery options, ongoing regulatory pressure and technological advancements. 

Elsewhere in Europe, DB Schenker continues to deploy EVs to enhance the sustainability of its logistics. 

In December 2024, the organisation expanded its German fleet with 40 Volvo FM Electric trucks. These were suitable for both regional and urban transport and helped to minimise CO₂ emissions. 

This is the first time last-mile delivery electric trucks with trailer capacity have been used in Germany. 

The vehicles were well-suited to the abundance of needs in the collection and delivery of shipments in the network, as one battery charge can cover up to 300km. 

Ralf Többe, Head of Land Transport Cluster DE/CH, states: "By integrating 40 Volvo FM Electric trucks to our fleet, we at DB Schenker are making a strong statement towards a sustainable future for logistics in Germany. We are demonstrating that with a willingness to invest in expertise, low-emission logistics solutions are already possible on a larger scale today."

In May 2024, DB Schenker was also the first company to drive R 450e electric trucks in Sweden.

DB Schenker tested the e-truck in daily long-distance transport operations. This came after three years of preparation and research in the E-Charge project.

Across Sweden, tests that were adopted to the drivers’ driving and rest times were carried out in real truck operations. Fourteen partners who jointly developed and tests battery-electric long-distance transportation featured in the E-Charge project.

Anna Hagberg, Head of Network & Scheduled Services at DB Schenker, explains: "For DB Schenker, the purpose is to test and gain experience of fully electric heavy vehicles in long-distance regular traffic. The electrification of heavy vehicles plays a crucial role in our transition to carbon-neutral transport and, since heavy traffic accounts for the largest emissions for us, it is incredibly important."

Impact on supply chain sustainability and efficiency

DB Schenker will improve supply chain sustainability by enhancing efficiency, reducing emissions and highlighting the reliability of alternative fuel and electric vehicles across Finland. 

Not only will this development allow DB Schenker to align with net-zero goals and Scope 3 emissions reductions, it will also help to decrease the carbon footprint of logistics operations. 

The company will maintain consistent delivery schedules and prevent delays due to weather-related incidents as a result of the EV trucks' ability to operate reliably in harsh climates. Further, by integrating these electric trucks into its fleet across Finland, DB Schenker will future-proof its supply chain and contribute to the wider adoption of EVs in logistics.

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