A zero-emission E-truck developed in collaboration with ABB’s pilot truck manufacturer partner E-Force One, aiming of an all-electric ABB delivery fleet, spearheading sustainable mobility solution conducted a trial on the streets of Swiss capital, Bern recently. This paves way for sustainable urban logistic solutions that saves 400 tonne of carbon di-oxide annually.  

The new technology is aimed to build an all-electric fleet in Switzerland by the end of 2022. The truck incorporates an electric motor, inverter, traction auxiliary and battery systems from ABB. The batteries are charged with ABB Terra 54 fast chargers and provide enough power for a range of up to 300km. During the trial, an ABB Formula E ‘Gen2’ racecar was delivered to the launch event for the ABB FIA Formula E race to be held Bern.

The first two trucks will be garaged at ABB’s power electronics factory in Turgi, Switzerland. After a test phase of several months ABB’s current fleet of eleven diesel vehicles will be superseded over the next three years by a single-operator fleet of E-trucks. The change will save an estimated 400 tonne of carbon di-oxide emissions every year, for no extra operating cost.

Morten Wierod, President-ABB’s Motion business, said, “The new powertrain for trucks is a significant piece of e-mobility technology for heavy vehicles. It shows our advancement in developing technologies that are more energy efficient with a lower-carbon output. We will also be using the E-truck in our own daily business operations.”

ABB will be the first company in Switzerland to conduct a trial of fully electric truck deliveries and they will benefit during the testing period from the established fixed routes between ABB facilities. The longest scheduled distance for delivery within Switzerland is 235km and is well within the 300km range of the EF26 three axle vehicles selected for the trial. A range of up to 500km would be possible with the largest available battery fitted.

The prototype of 25-tonne vehicles will feature a 310kwh battery, charged for six hours overnight at the Turgi base. The 360kw ABB motors produce 2700nm of torque, making the e-truck capable of hauling a 12-tonne load with a standard trailer. Their maximum speed is limited to 85km/h, with negligible road noise apart from that generated by the tires.

Marcel Schütz, ABB Head-Transport & Trade Switzerland expressed, “The E-trucks will cover approximately the same distance every day, so they can be designed explicitly to fit ABB’s needs. This is the perfect logistics solution for our needs.”

Energy supplied to the charging stations at Turgi base would be sustainably sourced, also thanks to solar panels and inverters already installed at the factory. Successful integration of a full E-truck fleet into ABB’s logistics operations would significantly enhance the company’s global mission to zero commitment. This will help build a carbon-neutral and energy self-sufficient ecosystem for industry, homes and cities.