Győr-based logistics enterprise, the Innovative Group, which works as a suppler for Audi, has put an electric heavy goods vehicle into commission. At a press conference in Győr on Wednesday to introduce the vehicle, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said the development is unique in both European and global comparison, in view of the fact that a 40-ton, fully electric heavy goods vehicle has not been developed or put into industrial service anywhere else.

“The company currently ships freight between Audi’s vehicle plants in Győr using ten heavy goods vehicles. The first vehicle has now been replaced with an electric heavy goods vehicle, and by 2022 the company’s whole fleet is expected to be fully electric. One electric truck represents an annual reduction in pollutant emissions equal to its own weight, compared to a traditional vehicle, and this will also be facilitating the implementation of the city’s environmental goals”, he added. “Thanks to this development, Hungary is taking another step forward in the fight against climate change”, the Minister stated.

Managing Director of Innovative Warehouse Logistics Limited Tamás Lipovics told reporters that as a medium-sized enterprise, the company can only remain competitive if it utilises innovative solutions. This is why it has invested in an electric heavy goods vehicle, which it uses 24 hours-a-day to serve the automotive industry plant. The company currently employs 157 people at its six facilities in Győr, he added. According to publicly available company data, the company generated 1.08 billion forints (EUR 3 million) in turnover last year, and increase of 620.9 million (EUR 1.75 million) compared to 2018, while the company’s profits increased from 61.9 million forints (EUR 172 thousand) to 182.5 million forints (EUR 508 thousand).

Ruben Bántó, Director of Debrecen-based Elektromega Limited, which manufactures the electric truck’s chassis, said the Hungarian-developed heavy goods vehicle uses a purely electric drive and is capable of reaching the capital from Debrecen (230 km) with a single charge. It was designed for special use, making it ideal for warehouse logistics services, and the truck can also be charged while being loaded.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade/MTI)