The changeover also contributes to ecological sustainability. On the one hand, conventional batteries, which have to be replaced after around 1,200 charging cycles, contain the toxic heavy metal lead. Secondly, the lithium-ion batteries save energy and therefore around 1,600 kilograms of CO2 per industrial truck per year. With 6,000 industrial trucks, that is 9.6 million kilograms of CO2 per year.

"Dachser is continuously investing in modern logistics facilities and equipment, and thus ultimately in the quality of its service," explains Michael Schilling, COO Road Logistics at Dachser. "This modernization project is an example of how efficiency and sustainability can go hand in hand and create customer benefits."

Dachser intends to convert all Road Logistics locations in Europe to the new technology by 2022. This will take place step by step; there will be no mixed operation at the locations. Following the successful introduction of lithium-ion in the Radeburg and Erlensee (Food Logistics) branches, new buildings and extensions will follow, for example in Freiburg and Munich, which will be planned with the necessary electrical infrastructure from the outset.

Dachser will continue to work with the various suppliers of industrial trucks as before. For battery technology, charging infrastructure and energy management software, the logistics service provider is relying on Triathlon as its preferred supplier. However, the project is not yet complete with the switch to lithium-ion technology: "Together with our partners, we will continue to drive forward the development of industrial truck technology. The aim is to increase the usability of the vehicles with smaller and more maneuverable vehicles and lower weights," says Bilz.