MAN starts series production of electric trucks

MAN Truck & Bus has started series production of electric trucks in Munich. From now on, both electric and diesel trucks will be produced in a fully integrated mixed production process on the same line.  

MAN Truck & Bus aims to become CO₂-neutral by 2050. Electrifying the vehicle fleet is essential for achieving sustainability goals, as around 95 percent of MAN's total emissions are attributable to its vehicles in operation. "The start of series production of our electric trucks is historic," explains MAN CEO Alexander Vlaskamp. "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."

Diesel and electric on the same line

MAN has invested almost 400 million euros in research and development to be able to offer its 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 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," says Vlaskamp. 

Maximum production capacity currently stands at around 100 trucks per day, regardless of the drive type. It takes around eight hours to manufacture a truck. "The production of electric or diesel trucks on a single line can be flexibly adapted to market developments, and the vehicles can be built exactly in the order in which they are ordered by customers," says MAN Executive Board Member for Production Michael Kobriger. 

This innovative concept is accompanied by extensive changes along the assembly line as well as in the supply chain and logistics. For example, while combustion engines are initially fitted with axles, tanks and exhaust systems, the electric models are instead fitted with two batteries under the cab together with other electrical components – the so-called power pack (featured photo shows assembly). More than 5,000 employees have been trained in high-voltage technology for this transformation.  

Up to 740 kilometres range without charging 

The e-truck is particularly attractive for use in automotive logistics, among other things, as the Ultra-Lowliner semi-trailer tractor is unique on the market with its fifth-wheel height of just 950 mm and a wheelbase of 3.75 metres. This means that fully electric transport with an internal loading height of three metres is also possible. The electric Ultra Lowliner is already in use in Wolfsburg and Bavaria for automotive supply in various route profiles. 

Another advantage of the eTruck is its three to six modular NMC batteries, which come from the MAN plant in Nuremberg and offer a total gross capacity of up to 534 kWh. This means that up to 500 kilometres can be covered without recharging. For even greater ranges, there is an optional seventh battery, which makes it possible to drive up to 740 kilometres on battery power without recharging.

Featured photo: MAN Truck & Bus