DB Schenker achieves 100% electric city logistics in Oslo with new Volvo FL Electric truck

Series production of eco-powered 16-ton trucks • First truck for DB Schenker personally welcomed by Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg and CEO Jochen Thewes • Milestone in sustainable urban logistics

Essen/Oslo, August 12, 2020 – DB Schenker realizes its goal of zero direct emissions in all Oslo city distribution by integrating the new Volvo FL Electric truck into its sustainable Oslo City Hub. The vehicle was unveiled today by Norway’s Prime Minister Erna Solberg, who thanked DB Schenker for its efforts towards greener transport solutions. The launch is supported by state-owned energy agency Enova. It is Norway’s first series-produced 16-ton truck with an electric drive and will enable DB Schenker to operate sustainable logistics in Oslo and beyond. 

At the unveiling of the new truck in Oslo, Prime Minister Erna Solberg stated: “We rely on ambitious and innovative players like DB Schenker to take on new green technology. I would like to commend you for an innovative approach that goes beyond the use of electric trucks. With Enova support and significant investments in electric vehicles, and a centrally located logistics terminal, you are showing the way.”

Jochen Thewes, DB Schenker’s Chief Executive Officer added: “We at DB Schenker are fully committed to continuously reducing our ecological footprint. We are determined to offer our customers greener and cleaner logistic solutions to support them in their sustainability goals. 

With the new Volvo FL Electric truck and with the support of Enova at our Oslo City Hub, we are now able to prove that emission-free operations are feasible in urban transport. We are proud to deliver best-in-class solutions to protect our environment and to contribute to the greater ambition of a climate-neutral society.”

With capacity for a gross vehicle weight of 16 tons, the Volvo FL electric will be used in DB Schenker’s city distribution in Oslo. Operating without any direct emissions (referring to tank-to-wheel emissions, e.g. CO2 and nitrogen oxides) and without motor noise, it serves the rising demand for urban goods transportation while reducing environmental impact. Just like DB Schenker’s City Hub in Oslo, it will be powered foremost by renewable hydroelectric energy from Norway.

In total, DB Schenker has ordered eleven electrical trucks for city logistics in Oslo, which will replace diesel-powered trucks. Symbolically, the first of three Volvo FL Electric trucks features a label saying “100% electric in Oslo”. 

The Oslo City Hub was opened by DB Schenker in the center of the Norwegian capital in May 2019. By the end of 2020, its city operations will run entirely without fossil fuels, using a total of 23 electric vehicles, including electric vans and bicycles. Every day, around 800 consignments in Oslo will be delivered using an electric vehicle. 

Globally, DB Schenker remains committed to its target of reducing its specific greenhouse gas emissions by 40% until 2030, compared to 2006. The regional but successful proof of a sustainable urban logistics concept in Oslo is a major milestone towards this overall goal.