JUNA, the joint venture founded by Scania and sennder, has reached an agreement with the South Tyrolean logistics company Gruber Logistics on the use of e-trucks. JUNA’s “e-truck-as-a-service” model allows Gruber Logistics to respond flexibly to the needs of its customers to use sustainable transport solutions directly within the supply chain.
JUNA’s business model is to offer electric trucks as turnkey solutions including all services such as repair, maintenance, insurance or support with electrification. The “e-truck-as-a-service” model, in which the e-truck is used and does not have to be purchased outright, significantly lowers the barrier to using e-trucks for logistics companies in heavy goods transport.
At the moment, higher costs of zero-emission technologies for logistics companies necessitate a long-term strategy like transport agreements with durations up to five years, which are rarely accepted by customers. In the end, this situation delays or prevents investments in zero-emission solutions in the heavy haulage sector. JUNA’s service makes this risk for logistics companies more manageable and plannable. That’s why also Gruber Logistics makes use of it.
Stefan Knapp, Executive Director of the Gruber Logistics fleet, sees the new cooperation with JUNA in a positive light: “Part of Gruber Logistics’ sustainability strategy is to be constantly open to new solutions in the decarbonization of heavy goods transport. Thanks to JUNA’s flexible e-truck model, we can quickly offer our interested customers a solution to reduce emissions directly in the supply chain. In addition to the quick deployment option compared to buying an e-truck, the flexible pricing model is also an advantage for us.”
Matteo Oberto, Chief Executive Officer of JUNA said: “The electrification of heavy-duty transport is happening now. However, both transport companies and freight buyers need support to successfully transition to zero-emission solutions. Through our e-truck-as-a-service model, we are breaking down the barriers to adopting electric vehicles. We’ve been particularly impressed with Gruber Logistics’ commitment to sustainability, and we’re truly excited to support their ongoing efforts to bring the benefits of e-trucks to their customers.
Due to a short term demand increase of BEVs the solution worked as a perfect complement to Gruber’s regular fleet procurement strategy and JUNA’s e-truck offering is already in use on the road for Gruber Logistics customers. Specifically, these are transports for a customer in the FMCG sector, which in turn supplies its customers in Western Germany with two 40-tonne e-trucks.
