Dachser has put twelve MAN eTGXs into service. With the special ultra-lowliner semi-trailer trucks, Dachser can now expand its growing fleet of electric trucks to include volume transport using so-called mega trailers. These units offer an interior height increased by 200 mm, as the loading area is just under 1,000 mm above the road surface. With the same length and width and an overall height that remains below the permissible vehicle height in Germany of 4 m, the available cargo space is increased by 8 m3. When double-deck loading is used, a so-called mega trailer can accommodate 67 Euro pallets.
“For Dachser, this is another step towards full practicality of electric trucks in long-distance transport,” explains Stefan Hohm, Chief Development Officer of Dachser, who received the new electric additions from Dr. Frederik Zohm, Board Member for Research and Development at MAN Truck & Bus. “Since 2021, we have been fully relying on trailers with more interior height in our European groupage network, as they are more economical and resource-friendly on long distances than standard trailers. The fact that the units can now also be pulled fully electrically with the MAN eTGX Ultra-Lowliners takes us forward on the path to more sustainable logistics.”
The twelve eTGX lowliner vehicles were picked up directly from production at MAN's Munich plant by their future drivers and transferred to their deployment locations in Germany.
Another eTGX in the Netherlands
Additionally, since December 2024, an eTGX has been in operation in the Netherlands for Müller Fresh Food Logistics. The food logistics company has been part of Dachser since 2023.
“The fact that large logisticians like Dachser are gradually equipping their fleets with electric trucks shows that the shift to emission-free drives in logistics is becoming a reality. The MAN eTruck, with its modular battery concept and adaptability to all common transport applications, is designed so that our customers do not have to compromise compared to a conventionally powered truck. As an ultra-lowliner tractor unit for volume transports, it therefore offers the maximum battery volume for around 500 km range, even with the shortest wheelbase,” said Dr. Frederik Zohm during the official handover.
Dachser relies on electric trucks
Since 2015, Dachser has been using battery-electric vehicles for locally emission-free inner-city deliveries. At three e-mobility locations in Germany, the logistics provider is primarily testing emission-free trucks for piece goods logistics and the interplay of photovoltaic systems, battery storage, intelligent charging systems, and charging infrastructure. Including the twelve new MAN eTGXs, more than 120 electric trucks are now in use for Dachser across Europe in both local and long-distance transport.
MAN eTruck: Technological Innovation as the Key
The ultra-low-liner eTruck MAN eTGX, with a saddle height of only 950 mm and a very short wheelbase of 3.75 m, still has a high battery capacity and a range of around 500 km. This makes it particularly suitable for applications where maximum cargo volume up to 3 m interior height is crucial. Thanks to its modular battery concept with a choice of four, five, or six battery packs and power levels of 449 and 544 PS, the eTGX is adaptable for many transport tasks. Moreover, apart from the standard CCS charging technology (up to 375 kW), it is also available with the new MCS standard with up to 1 MW charging power, enabling even faster interim charging during the driver's break. In addition to MAN eTGX and eTGS for heavy transport tasks, the MAN eTGL completes the MAN electric truck portfolio for light distribution traffic.
Rental by TIP Group
The deployment of the first twelve MAN eTGX at Dachser is carried out by the TIP Group. This allows Dachser to flexibly and quickly respond to the growing demands of zero-emission logistics.
Funding by the Federal Ministry of Transport
The first twelve MAN e-trucks for Dachser are supported by the Federal Ministry of Transport under the guideline for the promotion of light and heavy commercial vehicles with alternative, climate-friendly drives and the associated refueling and charging infrastructure (KsNI). The funding guideline is coordinated by NOW GmbH, and applications are approved by the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility.
About Dachser
The family-owned company Dachser, headquartered in Kempten, offers transport logistics, warehousing, and customer-specific services within two business fields: Dachser Air & Sea Logistics and Dachser Road Logistics. Comprehensive contract logistics services, as well as industry-specific solutions, complement the offering. With around 34,000 employees at 377 locations worldwide, Dachser generated a consolidated revenue of approximately 7.1 billion euros in 2023. The logistics provider moved a total of 77.4 million shipments with a weight of 40.0 million t. Dachser is represented with its own national companies in 42 countries.
