BMW and Scherm launch max-weight electric truck

What is thought to be the first road-going, all-electric maximum-weight heavy truck in Europe has gone into service with German logistics company Scherm Group on a contract with BMW in Munich.

The tractor unit is a battery-powered Terberg YT202-EV dock shunter of a type introduced in 2014 and normally used in ports, distribution centres and similar premises to move unaccompanied trailers.

It has a range of up to 100 km (about 60 miles), which is said to be “theoretically sufficient” for it to complete a full working day of eight round trips between the Scherm Group’s Munich warehouse and BMW’s factory two kilometres away in the city, loaded with suspension and steering system components. Recharge time is three to four hours.

BMW claims the operation is CO₂ free, as the truck is recharged using electricity from renewable sources saving almost 12 tonnes of CO₂ annually. There are minimal particulate emissions and the vehicle is very quiet in use. With the exception of the batteries, inverter and electric motor, the Terberg tractor uses major components common with its diesel counterparts.

The project will run using a single vehicle for one year, but may be extended if successful.

Hermann Bohrer, head of the BMW Group plant in Munich, said: “With our electric truck, we are sending another strong signal for sustainable urban mobility. We are contributing to reducing emissions in the city and are proud to be the first automotive manufacturer in Europe to use an electric truck of this size to transport materials on public roads.”