At the 2025 edition of Transport Logistic in Munich, Kässbohrer hosted the second K-Expert Talk on Electrification, gathering key stakeholders from the European ZEFES (Zero Emission Freight Ecosystem) project to address the pressing challenges of transitioning to zero-emission freight transport. Moderated by ZEFES Technical Coordinator Ben Kraaijenhagen, the panel focused on real-life insights from ongoing demonstrations, highlighting obstacles in infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, digital integration, logistics models, and intermodal operations.
The panel featured representatives from ALICE, DPD Netherlands, the European Transport Board (ETB), Kässbohrer, Primafrio, Scania, and Volvo Group. While the technical maturity of zero-emission vehicles and trailers was acknowledged, regulatory misalignment—particularly the absence of an EU-wide type approval system and inconsistent weight and dimension standards—was identified as a critical roadblock.
İffet Türken of Kässbohrer detailed two ZEFES use cases: an intermodal e-curtainsider trailer operating between Sweden and the Netherlands with Scania, and an electrified 45ft container chassis deployed by Volvo and DPD between Eindhoven and Munich. Both cases demonstrate innovation but face practical bottlenecks, such as needing special permits to operate across borders due to regulatory fragmentation.
Fernando Liesa of ALICE stressed that deployment depends on harmonized national policies, improved data sharing, and coordinated infrastructure investment. Rogier Laan from the ETB noted that while fleet readiness is growing, financing remains difficult without clarity on resale value or cross-border route access. He also highlighted how aerodynamic trailers often conflict with rail dimensions, inadvertently undermining intermodal transport.
OEM perspectives echoed the call for collaboration. Volvo’s Henrik Engdahl emphasized the need for better integration with fleet systems and scalable charging solutions. Scania’s Gustaf Malmström pointed out that intermodal success relies on synchronized port operations and infrastructure tailored to electric transport.
Operators DPD and Primafrio shared ground-level concerns. Maurice Loef of DPD warned of unreliable charging infrastructure, while Marina Förch of Primafrio advocated for demonstrators that reflect operational realities, sharing how their solar-powered depot system now supports 15 electric trucks.
As a neutral partner in ZEFES, Kässbohrer will continue fostering dialogue. Looking ahead, stakeholders are invited to the ZEFES Symposium on 25 February 2026 in Luxembourg. Kraaijenhagen emphasized that moving from pilots to scalable deployment will require cross-sector cooperation and harmonized solutions to ensure a sustainable freight future for Europe.
