DB Schenker has received its first 10 MAN eTGX Ultra electric tractors as part of its plans to integrate 150 electric vehicles into its fleet by 2026.
The German logistics giant plans to take delivery of 100 MAN eTGX electric trucks by 2026, according to a letter of intent (LOI) signed with MAN in 2023. In addition, a new LOI has been signed for the future delivery of 50 MAN eTGL 12-tonne electric trucks designed for urban freight transport. Orders for these vehicles will be placed from April 2025.
“We are delighted to be the first customer to have the opportunity to put a fleet of MAN eTGX trucks into operation. These vehicles represent an important step towards sustainable logistics in both general cargo and high-volume transport,” said Cyrille Bonjean, executive vice president of land transport at DB Schenker in Europe.
The new eTGX Ultra lorries are designed for high-volume transport, using semi-trailers with an interior height of 3m. This setup is particularly relevant for automotive logistics and other sectors with high volume requirements.
The MAN eTGX Ultra Low Liner is designed for use with a fifth wheel height of 950mm and a short wheelbase of 3.75m, allowing for maximum battery capacity while maintaining efficiency.
Its range is approximately 500km, with a modular battery system of four, five or six battery packs. Power options include 330kW (449bhp) and 400kW (544bhp) configurations.
Charging is through Combined Charging System (CCS) technology at up to 375kW as standard, with optional megawatt charging, which is expected to be available by the end of 2025, subject to infrastructure readiness.
Using 350kW, charging from 10% to 80% takes approximately one hour, while charging at 750kW reduces this time to under 45 minutes.
“The new MAN eTruck meets diverse customer requirements,” said Friedrich Baumann, board member for sales and customer solutions at MAN Truck & Bus. “With its high battery capacity and ultra-low liner design, it enables volume transport without compromising efficiency.”
DB Schenker said that charging locations will depend on specific business cases, with a mix of company depots and public stations. The company is also equipping its local branches with charging infrastructure where operational and technically feasible. For depots in Germany, DB Schenker sources 100% renewable electricity.
Some of the new electric trucks will be used in DB Schenker’s general cargo network, operating daily scheduled services in a two-shift system, such as the Dortmund-Hanover route. Others will be assigned to automotive and consumer sector logistics.
The first 10 MAN eTGX trucks have been provided through truck and trailer rental specialist TIP Group, offering DB Schenker flexible fleet expansion options.
The purchase of these vehicles is partly funded by the German Federal Ministry of Transport under the Climate Friendly Commercial Vehicles grant programme, which can cover up to 80% of the additional purchase costs compared to a diesel truck.
