At the end of the summer, we tested the Mercedes eActros 400 electric truck in the Bratislava area, which we used to deliver shipments to end recipients. We tested the possibilities of electromobility in real conditions of daily operation, even during difficult weather, including heavy rains.

The test lasted for 2 weeks and we covered a total of 2,069 km over 10 working days. The longest route covered was approximately 360 km, with a third of the battery capacity remaining at the end of the day. The average consumption was 105 kWh per 100 km and the total average vehicle weight was around 20 tonnes. By using an electric vehicle, we saved approximately 1 944 kg of CO2 emissions during the test.

Lukáš Búzek, Director of Operations at Geis SK, stresses the importance of testing for reducing the carbon footprint across the company: "I am aware that we will not have a 100% electrified fleet of Geis SK vehicles for a few years to come. However, it is our goal to do our best to reduce the carbon footprint not only of our trucks or cars, but of the entire Geis SK infrastructure, including our warehouses and office space. And through this testing, we are also looking for the most efficient way we can work towards this goal." And with a smile, he adds that "there has been tremendous interest in testing the e-truck with us, even the director of two of our branches has been driving."

The testing of the eActros 400 is part of our broad sustainability strategy, Mission Zero, which is leading us to achieve climate neutrality by 2040. Across the Geis Group, we continue to test various alternative drives, such as CNG and HVO biofuel vehicles, and are currently testing the new eActros 600 electric model on German roads. After careful consideration, we are then gradually deploying or will deploy alternatives where they make sense, make a real contribution to environmental savings and also make economic sense.

Lukáš Búzek further explains: " Although we are very pleased that the testing of the e-truck turned out well, we still face a major obstacle - the purchase price of these vehicles is roughly 2.5 times higher than for the most modern diesel vehicles. This would lead to a significant increase in transport costs and consequently prices for our clients. This limiting factor has so far limited their wider deployment."