MAN Trucks has officially started production of its heavy-duty eTruck prime mover, marking a significant milestone in the company’s history. Despite initial skepticism about battery electric vehicles (BEVs), MAN Trucks has now shifted its focus towards electric trucks.
The company’s CEO, Alexander Vlaskamp, has been vocal about the superiority of battery electric technology over hydrogen for transportation. With the start of series production of the eTruck, MAN Trucks is set to ramp up its electric truck offerings significantly.
The production line at the Munich plant will now accommodate both electric and diesel trucks, with the capacity to produce up to 100 eTrucks per day. This move signifies a strategic shift towards electric mobility and aligns with MAN’s goal of becoming CO2-neutral by 2050.
The production process for electric trucks involves fitting two batteries under the cab along with a “power pack” of electrical components, while diesel trucks are equipped with traditional components like axles, tanks, and exhaust systems. The flexibility of the assembly line allows for efficient production based on customer demand.
Over 5,000 employees at the Munich plant have been trained in high-voltage technology to support the production of electric trucks. MAN Trucks has already sold 700 of its 740 km battery electric trucks, with more orders expected as production ramps up.
While MAN Trucks is making significant strides in the electric truck market, it still lags behind competitors like Volvo and Renault, who have extensive experience in electric vehicle technology. However, the shift towards electric mobility is a positive step for the industry as a whole, and competition in this space will ultimately benefit consumers.
With the launch of the eTruck production line, MAN Trucks is poised to make a mark in the electric truck market and contribute to the transition towards sustainable transportation. This development highlights the company’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.
