BMW and Mercedes-Benz, two of Germany’s leading automobile manufacturers, have incorporated electric trucks from Designwerk Technologies into their logistics operations to enhance sustainability.
The BMW Group has begun utilising two battery-powered lowliners from Designwerk for parts transport at its Leipzig facility, operated through Rudolph Logistics Group and leased via Greiwing Truck & Trailer. These vehicles, the first electric volume transporters featuring lithium ferrophosphate (LFP) battery systems, shuttle components between the logistics warehouse and high-voltage battery production unit.
The vehicles boast a 340-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery capacity, enabling ranges up to 250 kilometres. The LFP cell technology supports up to 3,000 charging cycles, potentially achieving 850,000km in service life.
The MID CAB Semi Lowliner 4x2T model features a reduced fifth wheel height of 912 millimetres, accommodating mega trailers with three-metre loading heights. This design allows for a 50% increase in standardised parts carrier capacity compared to conventional trucks.
In collaboration with Galliker Transport, Mercedes-Benz has deployed the MID CAB Car Carrier 6x2R, an electric car transporter. The vehicle features a 1,000 kWh battery capacity, achieving ranges up to 695km without a trailer and 580km when loaded.
These specifications enable emission-free transport between Mercedes-Benz’s Sindelfingen plant and Galliker’s logistics centre in Altishofen, Switzerland, covering approximately 270km. The vehicle is part of Galliker Transport AG’s fleet of 16 Designwerk Car Carriers, within a broader deployment of over 20 units.
The car carrier can transport up to seven vehicles and incorporates a telescopic drawbar, extending the base length by one metre to accommodate larger vehicles on the trailer’s lower level.
