Emons focuses on electric mobility: e-truck drives successfully through Stuttgart

A new chapter in city logistics

 Since June 2024, an all-electric FUSO eCanter has been strengthening the fleet of the Emons branch in Ditzingen near Stuttgart. The vehicle supplies customers in Stuttgart city center on a daily basis and is part of the funded REALIST research project. Supported by the City of Stuttgart and its Climate Innovation Fund, the project aims to make inner-city transport more sustainable and to advance electrification in urban delivery transport.

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Successful interim results: More than 12,500 kilometers of electricity on the road

After around a year in use, Emons is drawing a positive balance: The e-truck completed 164 tours with a total mileage of 12,571 kilometers. The project's goal — a minimum mileage of 11,000 kilometers — was thus significantly exceeded

On average, the eCanter covered 77 kilometers per tour, transporting around 2.5 tons of goods for textile stores and small businesses in the urban area, among others.

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Full saving of CO₂ through green electricity

In addition to its suitability for everyday use, the climate balance is particularly impressive. While a comparable diesel truck would have produced around 9 tons of CO₂ during the project period, the e-truck at Emons did not emit any CO₂ equivalents thanks to certified eco-electricity. This means that CO₂ savings in real operation are 100 percent.

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Stumbling blocks and solutions

The path to zero-emission inner-city traffic was not entirely free of challenges. For example, the application for a subsidized charging station was rejected because the location was a few meters outside the city limits. Without further ado, Emons decided to finance the charging infrastructure out of his own pocket. There were also unexpected hurdles when it came to vehicle registration: Due to a software error, the eCanter could not initially be registered with an e-license plate.

In addition, Emons had already gained experience with a failed e-truck project. Vehicles from a now-insolvent manufacturer were canceled because their range was not compatible with the requirements of everyday use. It is therefore all the more gratifying that the deployment within REALIST is now so successful thanks to a suitable selection of vehicles, a clear project structure and a strong partner.

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A strong team in the background

A new driver was hired specifically to use the e-truck. Michael Bauer, who already wanted to give up the driving job, was convinced of the idea of electric mobility and has been driving the eCanter enthusiastically ever since. There were also internal changes: Rüdiger Bausch, who helped initiate the project, handed over branch management to his successor Marcel Schweiker in July 2024.

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Looking ahead: Further tests in Cologne

Following the positive experience in Stuttgart, Emons is currently testing another e-truck at its Cologne branch. Here, too, the focus is on urban delivery and climate-friendly transport logistics.

Current insights and updates on test operations are regularly available on our social media channels:

📲 Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn at [emons logistics].

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Conclusion: Sustainable logistics starts today

The use of Emons's first e-truck shows how climate-friendly city logistics is already possible today and that's even completely emission-free when infrastructure, technology, and engagement come together. The RealIST project provides important findings and serves as a model for further electrification projects in urban areas. For Emons, the eCanter is more than just a new vehicle: it is a symbol of the combination of progress, responsibility and practical relevance.

Good to know: The eCanter is charged exclusively with certified green electricity directly at the company's own charging station in Ditzingen.

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