EMPL delivers fully electric trucks to SPAR – a milestone for sustainable logistics in Austria

Austrian vehicle manufacturer EMPL Fahrzeugwerk GmbH has delivered six fully electric trucks to leading food retailer SPAR Austria. The vehicles are based on the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 model and will be used for distribution in several Austrian states.

The innovative electric trucks are equipped with modern tandem trailers featuring roof-mounted photovoltaic systems. These systems power the trailer's auxiliary battery and allow the operation of electrical systems independently of the tractor unit. With this, SPAR is taking another step towards low-emission and resource-efficient logistics.

The new vehicles will be deployed in Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Vienna, Burgenland and Styria. In daily operation, the electric trucks will have to prove themselves against conventional diesel trucks. SPAR considers it particularly important that the electric trucks can handle the same routes as their diesel counterparts.

In addition to the technological requirements, the production of the vehicles also presents a particular challenge. At EMPL's manufacturing facility, all employees working on the vehicles' high-voltage systems must complete specialized high-voltage training. Furthermore, the electric vehicles must be physically separated and appropriately shielded during certain production steps to ensure the highest safety standards when handling high-voltage technology.

“With this delivery, we are making an important contribution to the decarbonization of freight transport together with SPAR. The combination of battery-electric drive and additional energy generation through photovoltaics represents a particularly sustainable solution.” – Patrick Klingler, Sales, Commercial Vehicles, EMPL

This project is part of a fleet conversion: Four more MAN electric trucks will be delivered later this year. Furthermore, ten more electric trucks are already planned for 2027.

With this investment, SPAR underscores its pioneering role in sustainable transport solutions for the Austrian retail sector. The close collaboration with EMPL demonstrates how technological innovation and practical logistics solutions can be successfully combined.

Focus on the future and sustainability
This initiative demonstrates that alternative drive technologies are becoming increasingly economical and practical, even in demanding distribution transport. By strategically utilizing renewable energy directly on the vehicle and employing alternative drive systems, SPAR is setting new standards for the logistics industry.

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