Image: Vilsa-BrunnenThe company from the northern German town of Bruchhausen-Vilsen has integrated all three electric trucks into its fleet simultaneously. These vehicles replace three diesel trucks, enabling Vilsa-Brunnen to save over 300 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. Managing Partner Henning Rodekohr praises the eActros 600 model: “With its high payload and range, this battery-electric truck stands out from the regional distribution vehicles currently used in the beverage industry.”The eActros 600, introduced at the end of 2023, has a maximum gross weight of 42 tonnes and features two electric motors with a combined output of 400 kW. Its 621 kWh battery enables a range of over 500 kilometres, making the vehicle ideal for long-haul transport, according to Vilsa-Brunnen. Another advantage of the electric truck, from the company’s perspective, is its noise-free operation, which reduces noise pollution in public road traffic. Vilsa has configured its eActros 600 trucks as articulated combinations, consisting of a chassis with a fixed body at the front and a trailer behind.To optimise the use of the three battery-electric trucks, Vilsa-Brunnen plans to operate them in a two-shift system. For this purpose, the mineral water brand has installed a transformer station and three DC fast-charging stations, each with a capacity of 400 kW, on its premises. Currently, the three fast chargers are exclusively available for the new electric trucks, but each charging station features the standard two charging points, allowing the company to charge six vehicles simultaneously. This positions Vilsa well for a potential expansion of its fleet. Vilsa uses the eActros 600 as an articulated trainImage: VilsaMalte Wünderlich, Head of Logistics at Vilsa, states: “From day one, we will operate the three battery-electric trucks in a two-shift system with six drivers. It is essential that these electric trucks can be scheduled just like our conventional diesel trucks: they recharge between trips – taking a maximum of 1.5 hours at our charging stations in the depot – and, of course, overnight.”Henning Rodekohr, Managing Partner, adds in conclusion: “We have long explored and tested the various options for low-emission logistics. We are prepared to invest significantly in this step and decided last year to purchase three of these long-range battery-electric trucks. It is truly rewarding to see them now shining on our truck depot premises and finally in operation.”vilsa.de, linkedin.com