ALDI Nord, a leading supermarket chain, has taken a significant step towards sustainability by integrating ten electric trucks from Volvo Trucks into its fleet.
The newly acquired Volvo FM Electric trucks will be deployed in various ALDI regional companies located in Bargteheide (Schleswig-Holstein/Hamburg), Herten, and Radevormwald (North Rhine-Westphalia), as well as Seefeld (Berlin/Brandenburg). These locations offer a diverse range of topographical conditions, allowing for comprehensive testing of the vehicles across urban and rural areas, as well as flat plains and mountainous regions.
The decision to introduce electric trucks aligns with ALDI Nord’s commitment to addressing the environmental impact of road freight transport, a growing challenge in the global transportation system, says the company. Pascal Braun, the Managing Director of Supply Chain Management at ALDI Nord in Germany, emphasises that this initiative not only helps reduce the company’s greenhouse gas emissions but also demonstrates its dedication to sustainable practices. ALDI North has already achieved a 48% reduction in CO2 emissions between 2020 and 2015, as part of its own sustainability strategy. Looking ahead, it aims to increase this figure to an impressive 55% by 2030.
To support the purchase of these electric trucks, ALDI Nord secured funding amounting to €1,9 million from the German Federal Ministry of Digital Affairs and Transport. This funding comes as part of the Directive on the Promotion of Light and Heavy Commercial Vehicles with Alternative, Climate-Friendly Drives, including the necessary infrastructure for refueling and charging (KsNI). NOW GmbH coordinates the funding guideline, and applications are approved by the Federal Office of Logistics and Mobility.
“In German freight transport, trucks cause a significant proportion of greenhouse gas emissions. The transformation towards climate-friendly drives is therefore a necessary step towards achieving our ambitious climate targets in road freight transport as well,” says Daniela Kluckert, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Digital Affairs and Transport. “In this way, electromobility can make a decisive contribution to the decarbonisation of the transport sector, not only in passenger transport, but also here.”
