In what was a historic moment for MAN Truck and Bus, series production of MAN electric trucks has started at their Munich plant. The electric trucks will be manufactured on the same production line as their diesel trucks.
MAN CEO Alexander Vlaskamp and MAN Executive Board Member for Production & Logistics Michael Kobriger, together with Manfred Weber, Member of the European Parliament and Chairman of the EPP, gave the go-ahead at the Munich plant. From now on, both electric and diesel trucks will be produced in a fully integrated mixed production process on the same line.
Alexander Vlaskamp: “The start of series production of our electric trucks is historic. It marks a turning point in our history! The future of MAN begins now, at this very moment.
“The entire MAN team is proud to be actively shaping the transformation from diesel to electric drive. Our highly efficient electric trucks will make locally emission-free freight transport a reality. This is an enormously important step towards achieving our goal of becoming CO2-neutral by 2050.
“The fact that we can manufacture the electric trucks on the same production line as our state-of-the-art diesel trucks also gives us enormous flexibility and increases production efficiency.” He continues:
“We have invested almost 400 million euros in research and development to be able to offer our conventional truck product portfolio with battery-electric drive as well. The range extends from 12 to 50 tonnes and covers everything from refuse collection vehicles to long-haul trucks. We have done our homework. We aim to deliver the first 1,000 electric trucks by the end of the year. Depending on their use and electricity mix, this would save CO2 emissions comparable to those of a small town. That is enormous leverage! Politicians must now set the right course with regard to infrastructure expansion and CO2 pricing so that the ramp-up in e-mobility continues to gain momentum.”
Manfred Weber adds: “Innovation and technology are not only the key to Europe’s economic success and international competitiveness, but also crucial for reconciling economic and climate policy goals. MAN is leading the way with its etruck and showing what lower-emission freight transport can look like.”
