2025 is set to be the breakthrough year for MAN Truck & Bus’s eTruck initiative, with series production in Munich scheduled to start mid-year.
MAN Gears Up for eTruck Revolution
With around 2,800 enquiries and orders already received, the shift to electric drivetrains brings new challenges that require expert guidance. To meet this need, MAN is making significant investments on personnel and technology.
The MAN Transport Solutions team has helped customers transition from diesel to electric since 2018. MAN says it’s now expanded to about 100 eMobility Champions across Europe, all trained to advise on everything from fleet planning to the initial charging infrastructure. Additionally, all eMobility experts have access to a new web tool that simplifies cost calculations to offer an overview of public charging stations and assist customers in planning their own charging network.
The depot planning process begins with a brief survey of the number and types of eTrucks planned in a company, along with the average kilometres driven per day. Customers could then explore implementation options using satellite maps that display potential layouts for charging bays on their premises. They could place lorry icons on the map and choose from configurations such as inline, side-by-side or herringbone. The tool even enables users to mark available roof space for photovoltaic systems and estimate energy yield based on location and its effect on kWh pricing.
Besides establishing their own charging infrastructure, access to public charging points is a key consideration for customers in the decision-making process for battery-electric trucks. Recognising this need, MAN developed Charge&Go, a comprehensive public charging solution. To be launched in May 2025 across European markets, Charge&Go helps customers easily locate truck-compatible charging stations, understand clear pricing structures and make seamless payments using an authentication card. Designed for mixed fleets, the service also offers a consolidated monthly invoice, giving customers a complete overview of their charging costs.
Streamlined Route Planning with SmartRoute
Another service in the MAN eTruck digital portfolio is MAN SmartRoute. Available to fleet managers via the RIO Fleet Monitor, it streamlines route planning by considering battery levels and charging station capacities to pinpoint optimal charging stops. This service is included in the integrated digital package, free for the first five years for MAN eTGX and eTGS customers.
MAN also offers a broad range of battery-electric trucks across various sectors, from the 12-tonne eTGL to lowliner and standard semitrailer tractors, chassis applications with 4×2 and 6×2 axle configurations, and six different cab options in the eTGX and eTGS series.
