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MAN Truck & Bus has officially launched series production of its new electric trucks, marking a historic shift for the company. In a landmark event at its Munich plant, company executives celebrated the beginning of a new era in transportation, moving from a century of diesel manufacturing to embracing electric mobility. The new production process integrates both electric and diesel trucks on a single assembly line, a pioneering approach in the industry.
Key Highlights
- MAN has commenced series production of heavy-duty electric trucks at its Munich facility.
- The company is using a flexible, integrated assembly line to manufacture both electric and conventional diesel trucks simultaneously.
- Significant investments include nearly €400 million in research and development and approximately €1 billion for the electrification of its European plants.
- MAN has already received 700 orders for the new e-trucks and aims to deliver the first 1,000 units by the end of the year.
- The electric trucks feature a modular battery design, offering a range of up to 740 kilometers with an optional seventh battery pack.
A New Era in Manufacturing
The transition to e-mobility is now tangible at MAN’s main plant in Munich. The facility has been reconfigured to produce electric and diesel trucks on the same line, a strategy that provides enormous flexibility and production efficiency. This innovative manufacturing concept allows MAN to adapt to market demands and build vehicles in the exact sequence they are ordered by customers.
To support this transformation, the company has invested heavily in its workforce, training more than 5,000 employees in high-voltage technology. The assembly process has been modified to accommodate the unique components of electric trucks, such as the two large batteries and power pack installed under the cab.
Advanced Technology and Performance
MAN’s electric truck portfolio is extensive, with vehicles ranging from 12 to 50 tonnes designed for various applications, from refuse collection to long-haul transport. The trucks are equipped with three to six modular batteries, produced at MAN’s Nuremberg plant, which provide a gross capacity of up to 534 kWh and a range of up to 500 kilometers on a single charge. For extended routes, an optional seventh battery increases the range to a potential 740 kilometers without recharging.
A standout model, the electric Ultra-Lowliner semi-trailer tractor, is already being used for automotive logistics in Wolfsburg and Bavaria. Its unique design enables fully electric transport with an internal loading height of three meters.
Commitment to Sustainability
The electrification of its fleet is a critical step for MAN in achieving its goal of becoming CO₂-neutral by 2050. The company recognizes that vehicle operation accounts for about 95% of its total emissions. By delivering the first 1,000 eTrucks, MAN estimates a potential saving of up to 80,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year when powered by green electricity, equivalent to the annual emissions of a small German town.
This initiative extends beyond trucks. MAN is also the European market leader in electric city buses and was the first manufacturer to introduce an electric coach. With its comprehensive range of electric vehicles, MAN is actively shaping the future of sustainable transport.
For more information, visit the MAN press site.
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