A new study by the digital freight forwarder Sennder shows that electric trucks in Germany can economically compete with diesel models as early as 2025. The basis is 1.3 million calculated scenarios from real vehicle operations.
The results of their extensive investigation into the economic viability of electric trucks were presented by the digital freight forwarder at this year's Transport Logistic in Munich. During a press breakfast, the company presented an analysis of more than 1.3 million cost scenarios based on real driving data from European markets. The study provides insight into the conditions under which heavy electric trucks can economically compete with diesel vehicles.
The focus
is on the question of how political frameworks, energy prices, and technological developments affect the operating costs of commercial vehicles. The study gains particular relevance in light of upcoming changes in toll rates, CO2 pricing, and the increasing pressure to decarbonize freight transport.
Germany particularly advanced in transition according to study
According to Sennder's calculations, Germany is the first major European market where electric trucks could be economically competitive as early as 2025.
"The results brought some interesting and new insights, particularly regarding the German market," said Christoffer Haldemar, Chief Commercial Officer at Sennder. "In our scenarios for 2025, Germany is the only major European market where
electric trucks are already economically competitive."
According to Sennder, the study shows that in many countries in Europe, cost parity between electric and diesel trucks will be achieved by 2030. In some cases, savings in favor of e-vehicles are even possible. According to the investigation, economic viability depends heavily on the electricity price. Political incentives accelerate the change, but are not necessarily required.
"Electric drives will also be the future for heavy-duty trucks. Not only because they will be mandatory, but also because they are economically superior," said Graham Major-Ex, Senior Director of Green Business and eMobility at Sennder.
He particularly pointed to advances in battery technology
and cheaper storage solutions as driving forces.
Strategic advice for transport companies
According to Sennder, the analysis provides concrete advice for transport companies on how they can strategically adjust their networks and supply chains. The white paper on the study offers detailed insight into the results and, according to Haldemar, is intended to serve as a guide for future investments in fleet management.
The results are based on assumptions that take realistic deployment scenarios into account. Considered were, among other things, toll costs, energy prices, CO2 costs, maintenance efforts, as well as battery costs and the range of the vehicles. Sennder provides the full study upon request.
