As part of its efforts to reduce carbon emissions, Mars and Einride, a freight technology company, are partnering to bring 300 electric and digitally optimised, heavy-duty trucks to its network across Europe by 2030. Across Europe, it is estimated that the electric operations will save 20,000 metric tons of CO2e each year by 2030, a 10 percent reduction in Mars Europe's road transport GHG emissions annually.
The first delivery happened last week, with Einride's freight capacity offering deployed with two electric trucks and charging points powered by Einride's operating system Saga. The route is between the Mars Petcare factory in Verden, Germany and its distribution centre in Minden, Germany, approximately 90 km (56 miles) apart.
Following Germany's lead, the global strategic partnership will expand across Europe first, with routes in the UK and the Netherlands expected to follow in 2024. These fully electric operations will be complemented with an autonomous pilot, implemented in 2025.
Barry Parkin, Chief Procurement and Sustainability Officer at Mars, Incorporated, stated that partnering with Einride to deploy 300 electric heavy-duty trucks across Europe was a great example of how it collaborates and leverages its scale to drive action and real change.
"Providing long-term value and impact while setting the stage for a brighter and more sustainable tomorrow," said Parkin.
This partnership is Mars' latest investment to achieve net zero globally by 2050, implementing the actions outlined in the Mars Net Zero Roadmap with a focus on improving and optimising logistics, redesigning networks, transforming the type of transport it relies on, and embracing the electrification of its truck fleets.
"Together with our partners, we're driving change and showcasing a commitment to sustainability at scale."
Introducing electric transport networks forms part of Mars, Incorporated's commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050. This includes a new target to cut carbon in half by 2030 across its entire value chain (Scope 1,2,3). One part of that is transforming the type of transport the business relies on and the energy sources used. Mars is investing $1 billion globally over the next three years to drive climate action across the business as part of its net zero roadmap. It will continue to commit financial resources as needed until Mars' net zero goals are achieved.
On this first route in Germany, the two electric heavy-duty freight trucks (Mercedes eActros 300 Tractor) will save up to 193,000 road miles (312,000 km) per year on the return route from Verden to Minden. Einride and Mars have installed four high-power electric truck charging points at its German Petcare sites to support the transition to having an electric fleet.
Einride enables shippers to switch to sustainable road freight through digital, electric and autonomous technologies. Its freight capacity-as-a-service offering consists of deploying connected electric vehicles from leading original equipment manufacturers, autonomous vehicles and Einride Smartchargers, all powered by the operating system Einride Saga. Through data-driven insights and real-time updates, Saga allows shippers to optimise routes, reduce energy consumption, automate charging schedules, maximise battery life, accurately track emission reductions and minimise transportation costs.
Einride CEO and Founder Robert Falck said that to build a resilient future, action needs to be taken to decarbonise transportation and enable future-proof operations.
"This partnership exemplifies Mars' commitment to taking action as we jointly deploy an intelligent freight system that will reduce emissions, increase efficiencies and showcase a commitment to sustainability at scale," said Falck.
