Subscribe

Tag: girteka

Decarbonize your Supply Chain with Easy Tool

Posted on by David Priestman

Girteka has recently launched a pioneering tool in the logistics industry known as the Battery Electric Vehicle Insight (BEVI). This tool is uniquely designed to allow businesses to evaluate the feasibility and benefits of transitioning to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) for their logistics needs without the need of purchasing additional software.

The BEVI stands as the first tool of its kind, providing the opportunity for companies to gain personalized insights into how battery electric trucks can transform their operations. By simply entering the details about their typical routes and vehicle specifications, users will receive a comprehensive report that includes total route distance, estimated energy consumption, and required charging times.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Using the BEVI

To access the tool, analyse its potential, and receive insights on electrifying your supply chain, follow these simple steps:
1. Visit our dedicated BEV landing page at www.girteka.eu/electric-trucks
2. Scroll down and enter your planned route information into the BEVI, including the start and end points.
3. Select the type of trailer you would utilize on that route (tilt, reefer).
4. Specify the type of terrain that characterizes your route (mountainous, flat, or a combination of the two).
5. Specify the total weight of the cargo to be transported.
6. Add any required or potential waypoints along your route.
7. Enter the expected duration of loading and unloading procedures.

Tailored Solution One Click Away

Upon completion of these steps, the BEVI will process the inputs and generate a comprehensive report detailing total route distance, estimated energy consumption, required charging times, and locations. This personalized report provides a clear snapshot of what switching to BEVs for your transport needs would look like, making your supply chain more sustainable and efficient.

“With such insights, each company, whether it operates in domestic or cross-border markets, can easily check their options if they were to utilize battery electric trucks on their routes. With support from our dedicated sustainability team, we can work on individual solutions, where we adapt drafted ideas into tangible, optimized, and environmentally sustainable solutions,” describes Remigijus Stugys, Marketing Manager at Girteka.

The transition to electric vehicles represents a significant step forward in the decarbonization of road transport. However, this shift also presents challenges such as infrastructure development, initial investment costs, and operational adjustments. Tools like the BEVI help companies navigate these complexities by demonstrating feasible scenarios and use cases of adopting BEVs, accompanied by solutions tailored to the client’s specific needs and requirements.

Collaborative Approach to Sustainable Logistics

The development and launch of the BEVI underscores a collaborative approach involving customers, manufacturers, and transport companies. “Only through shared efforts and a unified vision can we effectively decarbonize the logistics sector in a way that benefits both our planet and our economies,” states Viktorija Terekė, Head of Sustainability at Girteka.

This tool offers a straightforward, easily accessible way to understand the steps toward the implementation of electric vehicles in daily logistics operations. It is designed to provide businesses with practical data, helping them make informed decisions as part of a broader effort to reduce transport emissions. Together, companies and carriers can take meaningful steps towards decarbonization, recognizing that progress requires collaboration and a series of small, but impactful actions rather than a single solution.

read more

Alliance to Decarbonize Road Freight Transport

 

Electric Heavy Goods Vehicles in Action

Posted on by David Priestman

The transition to electric vehicles is not just a trend; it is one of the solutions to shift towards sustainable logistics whilst the industry navigates through the transition period, according to Girteka Group. As global discussions intensify around decarbonizing transport and optimizing supply chains, adopting battery electric heavy goods vehicles (HDVs) emerges as a practical and effective solution. While still in its early stages, the adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has already demonstrated potential of reductions in carbon footprints, providing a promising glimpse into a more sustainable future.

Simple but Effective Solution

Thermomax, a Norwegian transport company, part of the Girteka Group, provides heavy goods transportation services using Volvo’s BEVs for one of its domestic customers. The purpose of this solution is straightforward – to enhance the sustainability of logistics operations by replacing conventional diesel trucks with BEVs.

At the core of this project is a simple yet effective strategy: combining BEVs with intermodal rail transportation. The transportation services conducted by Thermomax in the Trondheim area of Norway involve trucks traveling approximately 150 km daily to maintain a steady flow of goods. The cargo is delivered from a railway station to a warehouse. This approach showcases a practical commitment to reducing environmental impact of transport operations while maintaining efficiency by utilizing various forms of sustainable transport in joint creation with the customer.

Constant Data Monitoring

One of today’s advantages with modern trucks and advanced telematics is the constant monitoring of the truck’s performance. All data that can be analysed is stored and available online, providing opportunities to monitor cargo transportation for both logistics companies and their customers. In this particular case of using a BEV, information about the engine’s power usage and more are being gathered during the operations. This data allows for an investigation of energy consumption levels based on distance, average parameters of consumed energy, propulsion used, or energy regeneration.

Throughout this project, the Volvo battery electric vehicle has already been travelling for five months, consuming a total of 12,600 kWh (excluding charging) while conducting deliveries. While daily exploitation of the truck differs due to specific circumstances, the system analyses average energy consumption based on 100 km driven.

From November 2023 to March 2024, the average energy consumption fluctuated around 150 kWh per each 100 km. The energy consumption varies with the temperature and on the whole year the  is expected to be lower on average than for the winter period. Throughout the total of 330 hours of driving at an average speed of 42 km/h and using cruise control at the level of more than 30%, the BEV covered more than 8,000 km.

“At Volvo, we believe in the power of collaboration to advance electric truck technology and enable our customers to electrify their transport operation. Working closely with logistics companies like Girteka Group allows us to get feedback that is crucial for improving our electric vehicles. This partnership approach ensures that we understand the needs and challenges of the industry, enabling us to develop more efficient and sustainable transportation solutions together,” says Stefan Widlund, Electromobility Director at Volvo Trucks.

Real Environmental Effect

While the current usage of electric trucks is still primarily limited to domestic transport, mostly due to infrastructure challenges, the real environmental effect can be easily calculated. However, the calculation depends on various factors, including the energy source for the electricity, ways of truck utilization, or weight of loads. Within this example, the transition to BEVs has resulted in a reduction of 6.2 tonnes of CO2 over just a few months. This figure represents a clear, measurable benefit of adopting electric vehicles in terms of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

“We already see in practice the positive environmental impacts of using electric trucks. Scaling up these initiatives is crucial, and it requires a deep understanding of the challenges involved. By continuously analysing our experiences and sharing the benefits through co-creation with all partners in the Supply Chain, we aim to demonstrate to our customers the real advantages of transitioning to battery electric vehicles. This approach is not just about improving our operations; it is about leading the way in sustainable logistics for the entire industry,” summarizes Mark Mulder, Chief Commercial Officer at Girteka.

While individual effects can still be discussable, the scale makes a difference. Taking into consideration that more than 6 million trucks are currently circulating in Europe, even a small step like this can make a difference. The shift to electric heavy goods vehicles is a crucial step towards a sustainable future in logistics.

read more

Girteka Group Launches Educational Campaign on Sustainability

 

Sustainable Practices in Logistics

Posted on by David Priestman

The logistics sector is actively seeking sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. But what are the real examples of sustainable logistics services solutions? The use of battery electric vehicles (BEV) and electric trailers is an innovative step in this direction. Take a look at the first available testing period of a fully electric truck and trailer done in collaboration between Nestle, Girteka, Volo, Schmitz Cargobull, and BP Pulse.

The Role of BEV and Electric Trailers in Sustainable Transport

In our journey towards sustainable logistics, the adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEV) and electric trailers is one the most mentioned solutions. “As today’s world addresses main challenges, one of them especially touches the logistics – it is decarbonization. And here is where Battery Electric Vehicles supported by electric trailers can be one of the solutions,” summarizes Viktorija Terekė, Head of Sustainability. Recent joint activity from Nestle, Girteka, Volvo, Schmitz Cargobull, and BP Pulse, was aiming and testing fully electric solutions for short deliveries.

This initiative represents a crucial step toward zero-emission logistics, emphasizing the broader impact of leaders’ efforts on the environment. As highlighted by Harry Baxter, EV Fleet Sales Driector for BP Pulse in Europe, ” In terms of e-mobility being a solution then, so we see that approximately 25% of emissions globally are from transportation. And the fact that electric vehicles have zero tailpipe emissions makes it an obvious choice.”

However, the discussion is still ongoing where BEV and how can be used. As the discussion is maintained many companies are already testing and trying to find a common understanding and solution that will combine customer needs, manufacturers possibilities, infrastructure capabilities and availability, and logistics companies to conduct and combine all relevant stakeholders. “The path to decarbonization cannot be walked alone. It necessitates an unprecedented level of collaboration,” highlighted by Viktorija Terekė.

Sustainable Electric VehicleAddressing Challenges and Advancing Solutions

Implementing battery electric vehicles (BEV) and electric trailers comes with its set of challenges, particularly around infrastructure and technology. During the test as well as after the discussion is still ongoing. A critical aspect of this transition is infrastructure. The need for charging stations and maintenance facilities for electric and alternative fuel vehicles is immediate.

Meanwhile, Mathias Fleischer, Supply Chain Director from Nestle points out the progress and hurdles in electrical transport: ” Electrical transport has come a huge way when you look from years ago till today because now today we can run ranges up to 250 and 300 kilometres which is much better like it has been years before. Still, the charging facilities we need to improve. We need to find the way how we do the optimal charging and how we do the optimal payload on this one.”

However taking into consideration the structure of today’s heavy goods transportation, there is hope. “We know that if you look at all the goods in Europe, 45% are traveling less than 300km per day. This is also a range that we easily can handle today without charging. If you then charge, you will have a significantly longer range. That means that we have examples of our trucks running up to 640km per day, with some top-up charging during the day. Charging takes 90 minutes from 0 to 80%, but in many cases, you only charge from 30 to 80% during the day. And that means that you can do it during a scheduled break of 45 minutes,” informs Stefan Widlund, Electromobility Director at Volvo Trucks.

“The path to an expansive and efficient EV charging network is paved with collaboration—spanning industries, innovators, and policymakers. Through strategic partnerships, like this, we are tackling the immediate need for more charging stations. We’re building out a big network where that is high power charging. The trucks with trailers at a 40-ton size can pull through these bays. There’s no uncoupling of those trailers. You’re not adding to that downtime, but having to uncouple a trailer, leaving in an unsecured position. So it makes the operations much smoother and safer. And that network means that truck operators are flexible as well to travel and know there’s charging available. The second point then would be convenience. So having charges in convenient locations, but also having convenient options for drivers,” explains Baxter, BP Pulse.

Envisioning the Future of Sustainable Transport

The collaborative effort in utilizing battery electric vehicles (BEV) and electric trailers is not just about addressing today’s challenges, that is not only the topic of infrastructure but also the capabilities of today’s solution and cost-oriented solution. “Currently, costs of electromobility are very much dependent on the cost of batteries. The biggest question mark for any business case is how much I have to invest versus what is the outcome. If shippers are not ready to pay more because goods are transported in an electric reefer, then it gets critical. Pay-off needs to come by the operation itself. That’s why we have decided to reduce the battery capacity. It can safely guarantee operations for a minimum of five hours, but it doesn’t cost as much as you have a bigger battery pack that also reduces payload, so where the economy is very much critical,” explains Boris Billich, CSO from Schmitz Cargobull.

Despite challenges, when facing it as a partnership, as it was with this case, BEV and E-trailers can be one of the solutions to achieve ambitious goals. “Electric trucks have a lot of advantages, a lot of positive things. You don’t have the diesel, you don’t have the CO2, and the noise is much less than it has been before. So it’s a no-brainer once we get the technology into place. That is the best way how we can move forward from here. That’s important,” summarize Fleischer, Nestle.

The collaboration with partners such as Nestle, Volvo, Schmitz Cargobull, BP Pulse, and Girteka in this project is invaluable. First and foremost, the collective action and shared commitment among these diverse yet synergistic partners underscore the necessity to act together.

“Open dialogue is fundamental in this collaboration. It ensures that all parties, from a global food and beverage leader like Nestle to an automotive and trucking pioneer like Volvo, and from a trailer manufacturing expert like Schmitz Cargobull to energy specialists like BP Pulse and logistics providers, are on the same page,” ends Viktorija Tereke.

Read Similar…

Haulier Reduces Fleet Emissions and Achieves Accreditation

Girteka Group Launches Educational Campaign on Sustainability

Posted on by Will Priestman

Today’s main challenge in the logistics and transport sectors is decarbonisation. Electric trucks, intermodal transport, hydrogen powered vehicles, and biofuels are the most common solutions currently being discussed in terms of tackling the European Union’s (EU) ambitious emission reduction targets. However, understanding the discussion requires deep knowledge of details and technicalities and hard to understand by a non-expertise audience. Today’s available content is fragmented and lacks an overall holistic perspective on what can be achieved and how, who will stand to gain and who will end up losing in the drastic transition to Net Zero by 2050. Most importantly, what opportunities does today’s goal of decarbonisation of road transport present in terms of sustainable solutions for companies.

Exploring Pathways to Sustainability

Girteka, a road transport company, providing services in the logistics of temperature controlled (food & `beverages, pharma products) and high-value cargo in Europe, is launching an educational initiative to bring forward valuable insights and information about the decarbonization of road freight transport. The idea behind this campaign is to convey the message that the activities and direction the EU is heading toward should be practical, realistic, and beneficial for all stakeholders within the entire supply chain in the long term, as well as for the communities in which we work and live.

In the upcoming weeks, through various digital channels, Girteka will be sharing insights on battery-electric heavy-goods vehicles, their usage, drivers’ experiences, and challenges that many businesses are facing today when it comes to achieving their sustainability goals. The campaign will also explore topics related to intermodal rail transport – what is possible today and what plans have been put into place to improve the infrastructure? Later on, Girteka will analyse the possibilities of reducing emissions from existing assets through the implementation of solutions like HVO100 or HVO mass balancing. Also as final part the initiative will also focus on the new requirements of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) in terms of reporting emissions from transport, which can be easily incorporated into the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) approach.

“Today, everyone talks about sustainability. We all have high ambitions, yet we are still struggling to understand how we are going to achieve them. Our campaign aims to provide a  clearer and more understandable view of the current situation: what  options are available today and what would be the consequences of implementing those options for every stakeholder, starting from road transportation companies like us, through manufacturers and maintenance/infrastructure providers up to the end customers,” says Tomasz Weber, Head of Corporate Communications for Girteka Group.

Sustainability in the Digital Age

Girteka’s sustainability campaign will consist of several activities and will primarily be presented in digital channels. Starting with dedicated landing pages providing information about sustainable solutions available today, to in-depth articles and insights analysing infrastructure, networks, key roadblocks, and experiences gained so far, to discussions with experts in the form of podcasts, interviews, and video case studies.

“Our goal is to foster a common understanding before discussing specific approaches and ways to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 in Europe. There is a lot of hard-to-understand information and stereotypical thinking when talking about sustainability. Yet we need to be aware that today’s decarbonization goals are not solely the responsibility of transport companies. This is a global challenge, where cooperation is needed to achieve those very ambitious goals,” emphasizes Viktorija Terekė, Head of Sustainability at Girteka.

As today’s discussions on this topic mainly occurs online and through social networks, Girteka’s campaign on sustainability will present all the relevant information, latest insights as well as expert discussions in the digital landscape. This includes LinkedIn, Facebook and X fan pages, where users will be able to follow and stay updated, as well as be properly informed about sustainable transport solutions.

The goal is not only to provide information, but to cultivate a common understanding and a platform for discussion where every stakeholder is involved. Central to this campaign is the idea that sustainability in logistics is a multifaceted challenge that necessitates a holistic, informed approach. This campaign will serve as an open invitation for all players in the logistics field to embrace sustainability not just as a corporate responsibility, but as a shared mindset among businesses,  customers, producers, service providers, and individuals alike.

Read Similar…

CMA CGM and Maersk Pledge Shipping Decarbonization

Subscribe

Get notified about New Episodes of our Podcast, New Magazine Issues and stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter.