Federal and local government officials tour Hellmann in Bremen, gaining insights into optimal e-mobility practices.
Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, a global leader in logistics services, is setting an exemplary standard in e-mobility implementation for heavy-duty transport in Germany. The company's electric truck fleet and comprehensive charging infrastructure, funded by the federal government, demonstrate best practices in sustainable logistics.
The project, backed by over €1.9 million from the German Federal Ministry of Transport under the climate-friendly commercial vehicle program (KsNI guideline), is also supported by European Recovery and Resilience funds. This multi-level public funding, coordinated by agencies like NOW GmbH and BALM, provides a strong financial and organisational foundation for e-mobility deployment.
One of the key aspects of the initiative is the integration of charging infrastructure. The project extends beyond just vehicles, developing a robust and accessible charging network tailored for heavy-duty trucks, a critical element for operational reliability and scale-up.
Stakeholder collaboration is another crucial element. The initiative showcases a successful collaboration between government (federal and state), logistics operators, and infrastructure planners. For instance, Bremen's economic and climate authorities emphasise the role of studies and infrastructure investments in making logistics hubs climate-neutral and future-proof.
Sustainability is embedded in Hellmann's broader logistics operations. In Australia, the company's new contract logistics centre in Melbourne features sustainability measures like solar power, rainwater tanks, and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, aiming for a 5-star Green Star certification. This expanded commitment goes beyond trucks, integrating facilities and services to support green logistics comprehensively.
Strategic location and scalable infrastructure are also crucial. Hellmann's logistics centres are chosen to optimise operational efficiency while supporting e-mobility. For example, the site in Truganina, Melbourne, doubles warehouse capacity with modern inventory and management systems alongside EV infrastructure.
Clear climate goals and an innovation culture drive Hellmann's commitment to e-mobility. Leadership from transport ministers and company executives emphasise electrification as central to CO2 reduction targets. Hellmann's willingness to innovate and invest in electric solutions and infrastructure illustrates the importance of organisational commitment to sustainability in heavy goods transport.
Germany's Federal Minister of Transport, Patrick Schnieder, has emphasised the importance of electrifying heavy-goods transport in reducing CO2 emissions from road traffic. Stefan Borggreve, COO of Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, expressed the company's belief that e-mobility will become a central pillar in the decarbonization of heavy-good transport over the medium to long term.
The Bremen site, in particular, serves as a best practice model of e-mobility in heavy-goods transport. Two 40-tonne electric trucks have been running reliably between Bremen and Osnabrück for over a year, covering 550 to 700 kilometers per day across two shifts. The medium-distance route between these cities now operates completely CO2-neutral.
Government officials, including Schnieder and Bremen's Senator for Economic Affairs, Kristina Vogt, have visited Hellmann Worldwide Logistics in Bremen to discuss practical solutions and ongoing challenges in e-mobility. Borggreve also stated the company's aim to gain more operational experience to accelerate the transition of their entire fleet to CO2-neutral operations.
In summary, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics' experience showcases that successful e-mobility implementation in heavy-goods transport relies on strong multi-level funding, infrastructure integration, public-private collaboration, sustainability across operations, strategic infrastructure planning, and a clear innovation-driven climate strategy. These practices enable the real-world operation and scaling of electric truck fleets in demanding commercial logistics environments, serving as a replicable model for the industry.
- Hellmann Worldwide Logistics' electric truck fleet and comprehensive charging infrastructure, funded partly by the German Federal Ministry of Transport and European Recovery and Resilience funds, demonstrate best practices in sustainable logistics.
- The integration of renewable energy sources like solar power and charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) is a crucial aspect of Hellmann's broader logistics operations, aiming for environmental-science and green certifications.
- The successful collaboration between government, logistics operators, and infrastructure planners, such as the one between Hellmann Worldwide Logistics and Bremen's economic and climate authorities, is crucial in making logistics hubs climate-neutral and future-proof.
- Germany's Federal Minister of Transport, Patrick Schnieder, recognizes the importance of electrifying heavy-goods transport in reducing CO2 emissions from road traffic, emphasizing the role of industry leaders like Hellmann Worldwide Logistics in the implementation of e-mobility solutions.
