Scania helps DB Schenker go fossil-free on Swedish island

DB Schenker is helping Swedish island, Gotland, transition its distribution vehicles towards fossil-free alternatives with Scania. To help the region meet its sustainability target of being fossil-free by 2040, five years ahead of the national target, Schenker Akeri AB, Sweden’s largest haulier, has taken over all the distribution routes. It’s also transforming all the current vehicles to electric in one go.

Joining the fleet will be six vehicles, consisting of four P25 battery electric trucks and two plug-in hybrids (PHEV). Viktor Stromblad, Head of Land at DB Schenker, said:

“We already operate with electric vehicles throughout Sweden, and we know how that works. The next step is to invest in electrified distribution for a whole region – to make a real difference. On top of that, we’ll gain valuable knowledge on electrified operations both in urban areas and in rural areas.”

Jonas Javert, Head of Innovation & Purchasing at Schenker Akeri, said:

“It feels really good to have a fossil-free and almost emission-free distribution service on Gotland. The special thing with this investment is that we are transforming the complete distribution operation at once.”

Scania has many customers who’ve been trialling different heavy-duty battery electric vehicles in different locations.

In Gotland’s case, the island’s size is favourable for the trialling the electrification of heavy-duty transportation. Evalena Falck, Sales Director, Strategic Account Management for Scania, said:

“What DB Schenker is doing, with the implementation of a fossil-free solution in a unique environment, will teach us a lot about the challenges and possibilities that occur when a complete distribution centre is electrified. Going forwards, we see the similar potential for DB Schenker’s international truck fleet.”

DB Schenker is looking to electrify its truck fleet as soon as possible, with the global target of ensuring transportation on land, sea and in the air should be climate neutral by 2040 looming. But the company is working hard to achieve this aim sooner.

To be one step ahead and push the transition to fossil-free vehicles is a vision that both in both Scania and DB Schenker share.