BMW and DHL Logistics: Electric Truck

BMW and DHL Revolutionize Logistics: The Electric Truck with a Range Extender

In a landmark move for the automotive industry, BMW Group and DHL Group have successfully concluded a pilot project featuring an innovative hybrid electric truck equipped with a range extender. This patented vehicle concept, used for the first time in German automotive logistics, aims to bridge the gap between zero-emission goals and the current limitations of long-distance charging infrastructure.

The project tested a Scania-built 40-ton electric truck in real-world conditions, primarily on the critical 600-kilometer (373-mile) corridor between Berlin and Munich, as well as on various short-haul routes around BMW’s production facilities.

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Technical Performance: The “Safety Net” Strategy

The core philosophy of this vehicle is to maintain a purely electric driving character while providing an on-board “safety net.” Unlike traditional hybrids, the combustion engine has no mechanical connection to the wheels; it serves solely as a high-output generator.

By replacing one battery module with a compact 120 kW generator, the truck trades a small portion of its pure-battery range for the flexibility to refuel at any standard station. This allows the vehicle to operate in electric mode for 80% to 90% of its total driving time, even during harsh winter conditions or when charging schedules are disrupted.

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Operational Results: Decarbonization in Action

The multi-week trial proved that the range extender concept significantly alleviates “range anxiety” for logistics operators.

Key Findings from the Berlin-Munich Route:

• Distance: Approximately 600 km per leg.

• Emission Reduction: Achieved an over 90% reduction in CO2 equivalent emissions compared to conventional diesel trucks.

• Efficiency: During the 22,000 km total testing phase, the truck operated nearly 92% on grid-charged electricity.

• Reliability: The generator provided the necessary backup for long-distance stretches where high-speed charging for heavy-duty vehicles is not yet ubiquitous.

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Strategic Vision: Technological Openness

For BMW Group, this project is a core pillar of their Low-Emission Strategy. Michael Nikolaides, Head of Production Network and Logistics at BMW Group, emphasized that “the application and propulsion technology must be a perfect match.” By adopting a technology-open approach, BMW evaluates various solutions—from pure BEVs and hydrogen fuel cells to range extenders—based on their maturity and economic feasibility.

DHL Group also views the Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) as a vital bridge technology. As Tobias Meyer, CEO of DHL Group, noted, the industry cannot afford to wait for a perfect charging network to be built out; pragmatic solutions like the EREV allow for immediate decarbonization of 90% of their transport volume.

Future Outlook

Following the success of this pilot, there is a strong call for regulatory frameworks to recognize the specific benefits of EREVs. DHL and BMW are advocating for new emission classes (such as Class 4b) that would allow for toll reductions proportional to the certified CO2 savings.

As of May 2026, the data collected from this project is being used to integrate more alternative drives into the daily supply chain, ensuring that the logistics behind every BMW vehicle move closer to a net-zero future.

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Source: BMW Group Logistics testează camioane electrice hibrid în condiții reale de funcționare