Craiss Generation Logistik GmbH & Co. KG is based in Mühlacker in southern Germany and has branches in several Central and Eastern European countries. The company is now buying ten eActros 600s for use in Germany and two eActros 300s in the lowliner version for Austria. The latter will be put into service in October, and delivery of the larger 600s is not expected for around twelve months. The series launch of Mercedes’ electrically powered long-distance trucks is planned for the end of 2024 in Wörth.

Craiss wants to use the smaller eActros 300 in regional transport in Austria. “In shuttle traffic, they will cover a distance of ten kilometers for Craiss several times a day on behalf of a local energy company,” says an accompanying press release. Since electric trucks cannot be higher than four meters in total, Craiss opted for the lowliner variant. With its lower chassis, the eActros 300 can also transport high semi-trailers – so-called mega trailers (with an internal height of three meters). These trailers are often used in automotive logistics, for example.

“For us, ordering the eActros is an important investment in electromobility and therefore a big step towards sustainability,” says Managing Director Michael Craiss – and adds with a view to the 600 trucks ordered: “The limited range has long been a hurdle for the use of electric trucks, which is why the 600 models are a small revolution. The charging times fit well with the legally prescribed break times for drivers and enable efficient utilization.” The press photo shows that Craiss has already tested a prototype of the eActros 600.

According to Craiss, the purchase of electric vehicles is also financially worthwhile. Although electric trucks are usually twice as expensive to lease as conventional truck models, there are no toll costs. “This means that the monthly costs are balanced – provided the vehicles cover around 500 kilometers per trip.” Craiss currently sees the only obstacle in the charging infrastructure, which has not yet been developed across Germany. The vehicles will therefore initially be used in existing scheduled services in order to integrate charging stations firmly into route planning.

According to the managing director, the electric truck technology fits well with the company’s future plans: “We want to offer our customers, who attach great importance to environmental protection, needs-based, green solutions.” This also includes other low-CO2 drive types such as HVO100 and biogas. Craiss already has LNG vehicles. According to the manager, investments in other sustainable drive systems depend primarily on customer requirements.

Source: Information via email