Imagine a future where the rumble of diesel engines is replaced by the whisper-quiet hum of electric motors, even for heavy-duty trucks hauling goods across Europe. That future is closer than you think. MAN, a leading truck manufacturer, has just delivered two of its cutting-edge eTGX electric trucks to Koinè, a major Italian logistics company. But here's where it gets exciting: these trucks aren't just any electric vehicles; they're part of a bold plan to revolutionize the way Sanpellegrino, the iconic beverage brand, moves its products.
Koinè, strategically located between Bergamo and Milan, isn't just dipping its toes into the electric truck market. With nearly 1,000 vehicles already in operation, they're one of Europe's logistics giants. And they're serious about going green. Their goal? To acquire up to 50 MAN eTGX trucks in the coming years, significantly boosting the electric share of their massive fleet. This isn't just a PR stunt; it's a substantial commitment to sustainability.
And this is the part most people miss: Koinè isn't just buying trucks; they're building an ecosystem. They're investing in a massive solar power system at their new logistics center in Levate, capable of generating a whopping five megawatts of electricity. This clean energy will directly power the eTGX trucks' large battery systems, creating a closed loop of sustainable transportation. Paolo Toccafondi, Koinè's Managing Director, puts it plainly: “Our ambition is to electrify up to one-third of our fleet within the next three years. For us, sustainability isn't just a goal—it’s a daily commitment. With MAN eTGX, we can guarantee our customers, like the Sanpellegrino Group, safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible transport.”
But is this shift to electric trucks truly feasible for long-haul logistics? MAN believes so. Michael Kobriger, Member of the Board for Production & Logistics at MAN, emphasizes, “Every MAN eTGX delivered is a step toward the future of transport. Our mission is to provide vehicles that combine cutting-edge technology with environmental responsibility, supporting our customers in their energy transition.” The eTGX, specifically designed for long-haul routes, has been rolling out to customers since October 2024, with the first Italian delivery to Fratelli Foppiani Trasporti in October 2025.
The initial two eTGX trucks from Koinè will hit the road between Sanpellegrino's production sites and logistics depots in Madone and Levate, covering a substantial 250,000 kilometers annually. These routes are meticulously planned to align with the trucks' charging times and range, ensuring seamless operations. Svante Palebo, Global Head of Supply Chain at Nestlé Waters (Sanpellegrino's parent company), highlights the bigger picture: “Electrifying transport is one of the key levers of our decarbonization strategy. Thanks to initiatives like this, we continue to make our supply chain more efficient, responsible, and ready for future challenges.”
This partnership between MAN, Koinè, and Sanpellegrino is more than just a business deal; it's a powerful statement about the future of logistics. It raises important questions: Can electric trucks truly replace diesel for long-haul routes? Will the infrastructure keep pace with the growing demand for charging stations? And most importantly, will other companies follow suit, accelerating the transition to a greener transportation system? The answers remain to be seen, but one thing is certain: the road to a sustainable future is being paved, one electric truck at a time. What do you think? Is this the beginning of a revolution, or just a passing trend? Let us know in the comments below!
