Mr Wohlmuther, based on your experience as an eConsultant, what is the most important topic for your customers?
When our customers talk about the eActros, the question of range is one of the most important points we discuss. We eConsultants then analyse driving ranges and compile an overall concept, including a financial breakdown, to help them get on the road with electromobility using our eActros 300 and eActros 400 trucks. Next, we help our customers to coordinate infrastructure projects and, of course, launch the vehicles in their fleets.

And what does that entail?
The first and most important step is technical analysis. This determines the possible routes based on the performance of our vehicles. The eActros 300 achieves ranges of up to 300 kilometres and our eActros 400 even up to 400 kilometres. The range depends on the vehicle’s load, the actual route taken, the topography, handling and other factors, such as temperature. We then take a look at the specific case, which is particularly important for our customers. We assess previous route data and planned route data. This assessment is supported by IT tools that allow us to predict the ranges as precisely as possible.

What happens next?
From the range concept, we can extrapolate the ideal charging infrastructure needed to implement this model. More specifically, if you can charge a vehicle for the entire night, a lower charging capacity is adequate – 50 kW for example. If you want to make use of fast charging on‑the‑go between trips, you will need up to 160 kW charging capacity.

We work with our partners Engie and Siemens to create holistic concepts that take both the charging infrastructure and local conditions into account. This can mean that we install charging stations at the customer’s depot, for instance. On the other hand, we may propose solar power systems, battery storage systems or smart integration into building energy management systems to minimise overall costs or even avoid expanding the network entirely.

Please tell us about network expansion.
Charging all the eActros in a fleet can take a relatively large amount of power. By which I mean from several hundred kilowatts to the megawatt range. In this case, customers often have to apply to the grid operator to have their connection capacity extended. This can mean that they need to build a transformer station. They might even need a new cable to be routed from the nearest substation to the depot. It all depends on the required charging capacity and number of trucks.

What’s the estimated lead time?
An infrastructure project for the eActros will take between six and twelve months if network expansion can be avoided. If it cannot be avoided, it can take different amounts of time, depending on where the site is within Europe. 18 to 24 months are not unusual.

I’m sure that the costs incurred also play a crucial role?
Once the technical concept is in place, we move on to financial analysis. We aim to optimise overall costs by avoiding grid expansion, for example, or through the intelligent use of government funding and by comparing costs with other drive technologies, such as diesel. Our aim is to furnish every customer with the best solution for their business model at the lowest price.

Is government funding available?
The issue of government funding is an important tool in the transition to zero‑emission transport. However, the funding situations in Europe are very diverse. Various regions use different means and channels – for example cash purchase funding, toll exemptions or tax benefits – so we analyse and take full advantage of these separately for each individual customer, depot and use case.

Let’s assume that a purchase decision has been made …
Naturally, we don’t just abandon our customers. We are known for and strive towards great after‑sales services. Working with our partners, we assist customers with infrastructure construction projects, help them with funding and prepare our customers’ entire companies for their first day with an eActros in their fleet by providing training and IT support.