Ancotrans Leads the Way in Electrification: Invests in Electric Trucks for Container Transport

Ancotrans is a European market leader within container road transport and one of Denmark’s oldest family owned and managed companies. APM Terminals Aarhus spoke to David Nees Kynde, Country Manager at Ancotrans Denmark, to learn more about their pioneering investment of ten new electric trucks, whereof one is now operating at APM Terminals Aarhus.

You have ordered ten electric trucks. What type of transport are these trucks specially adapted for? 

We have expanded our fleet with ten new electric trucks, two of which are operated in the Danish market. The electric trucks are perfect for repetitive, relatively short distances, making them ideal for container transportation. We will be utilizing them in the local areas near the port of Aarhus and Copenhagen. 

Recently, one of your electric trucks visited APM Terminals Aarhus. How does the electric truck perform in the port? 

In terms of performance, the electric truck can cover around 300 kilometers on a single charge, allowing for approximately five trips to the container terminal. If we have access to a "super charger," we can charge around 80% of the battery capacity in just 1.5 hours.  

What motivated Ancotrans to invest in electrification? 

In Ancotrans we are striving for a reduced impact on our planet and its central part of our values and strategy. In 2040 we aim to be 100% carbon neutral, and to achieve this goal, our strategy is shifting from carbon offsetting and turning towards reduction.  Despite the fact that electric trucks are still in their early stages and come with a higher price tag compared to traditional diesel trucks, we wanted to be pioneers in the green transition.  We've also noticed a growing customer demand for green solutions, particularly for electric transport. Unlike when we introduced HVO and LNG trucks, electric road transport has garnered much more interest. Many companies are actively working towards reducing their CO2 emissions, and electric trucks play a significant role in helping them achieve their goals.

What are the main advantages of using electric trucks? 

Aside from the substantial environmental benefits, our drivers have highlighted several advantages. They experience a significantly better working environment with reduced smells and noise levels, and the driving experience is much smoother. Our drivers are so satisfied with the electric trucks that they've become ambassadors for electrification within our company. 

What is required to ensure the electric trucks operate at their best? 

For Ancotrans, our focus is on finding customers who share our climate ambitions, learning from best practices, and gaining experience in the field. On a broader scale, there is a need for significant expansion of charging station infrastructure, and governments must demonstrate their commitment to investing in electrification. To make this a success, collaboration among vehicle manufacturers, carriers, and transport buyers is crucial.

Can you shed some light on the price difference between a traditional diesel truck and an electric truck? 

The cost of ten electric trucks is equivalent to that of 30 diesel trucks. However, the operating costs are influenced by various factors such as utilization rates and electricity prices. Our customers place great value on the positive brand effects that come with using electric trucks, which is harder to put a price tag on.