MAN’s e-mobility centre – created in anticipation of a riding demand for electric trucks – is now open for business.
The eMobility Center covers 4,000m2 and is situated at the company’s global HQ in Munich.
It will oversee test and development of series production electric vehicles that will replace diesel-powered models.
In addition, the site will also undertake training for technicians on next-generation products and technologies.
Furthermore, the entire production process for the vehicles will take place under the roof of the new facility.
MAN CEO Andreas Tostmann identified electromobility as “the key technology” for commercial vehicles in the future.
“With the e-mobility centre, we are giving the starting signal to go into series production with electric trucks.
“The switch from the combustion engine to alternative drives is an extremely important part of the company’s consistent reorientation,” he added.”
Furthermore, Tostmann committed to meeting EU targets for CO2 reduction for trucks over 16-tonnes.
MAN’s e-mobility centre would help take “another big step towards jobs of the future and CO2-free mobility”, he added.
“We see this as an opportunity to assume social responsibility and to act in a sustainable manner in the long term.”
Bus fleets have seen conversion to electric power, but the shift has not been replicated in the truck industry.
However, MAN expects demand from transport companies for electric trucks to grow in the near future.
Specifically, it believes this demand will come from climate policy requirements and CO2 pricing.
In addition, MAN anticipates fleets will recognise the cost benefits to run EVs in the future.
MAN hopes to have all relevant skilled workers qualified in serial production of electric trucks by end of 2023.
