Transport S'Jegers (Laakdal, BE) opts for sustainability and extremely favorable TCO with 6 electric eActros 600 trucks from Mercedes-Benz Trucks

S'Jegers (www.sjegers.eu) purchased six Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 trucks without prior test runs, marking an important milestone in their green future vision.

What began in 1995 with Karl S'Jegers and one tractor-trailer has since grown into a successful company with no fewer than 350 tractors and 1,400 trailers. The customer base has seen an equally impressive increase: today Transport S'Jegers can unpack and drive for a strong portfolio, including some (very) big names. The takeover of Transport Cools (Deinze) four years ago also contributed to this expansion.

Choosing the eActros 600

For their eMobility investment, S'Jegers gave clear preference to Mercedes-Benz Trucks. Offers from other brands were also considered, but the attractive Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and the competitive price of the eActros 600 convinced them. After a thorough discussion with Geert Van Dijck (VDH) and Filip Van Thielen and Thomas Teugels (Daimler Truck BeLux), the deal for four vehicles was sealed the very same day - and not much later, 2 more trucks were spontaneously added at the request of one of S'Jegers' own customers.

Sustainability and cost savings

The decision to make the transition to battery-electric transportation was driven by several factors.

First, environment and sustainability: the Laakdal-based company is aiming for a significant CO2 reduction in the short term. The HVO diesel (95% less CO2 than regular diesel) that a large part of the current fleet has been running on for quite some time already represented a first few kilometers in the right direction. With the imminent switch to electric trucks, the logistics expert is shifting up a gear in achieving its green goals, which, by the way, are largely driven by end customers and their preferences for transportation with minimal carbon footprint. The more they require green transportation solutions, the more attractive the investment in electric vehicles becomes for companies like S'Jegers. In this particular case, there was even almost an auction: an end customer heard about the purchase of the first four trucks and insisted that they be used for him. However, they had already been promised to other customers, which then led to the quick follow-up order.

A second consideration was the fact that the eActros 600 has a very favorable Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) compared to other brands; even excluding subsidies, which then become a nice extra.

However, the positive financial picture does not stop with the vehicles themselves. S'Jegers is also investing in the necessary charging infrastructure. Talks with some suppliers are still ongoing, but it is likely that charging will be diligently carried out at the headquarters in Laakdal - and generated, for that matter, because the available space and roof area practically begs for solar panels. Sustainable power for sustainable vehicles. In that scenario, daily (additional) charging will have to continue during the drivers' driving and rest periods, which means that route planning promises to require meticulous analysis. In any case, with a driving range of at least 500 kilometers, the e-trucks will be able to ride out a full day. In addition, the company is already looking at a possible high-voltage cabin and, in the slightly longer term, even battery packs for storage. All these preparations and investments immediately illustrate the challenges a logistics player faces if he wants to do business sustainably.

Support Daimler Truck BeLux

Despite those thresholds and hurdles, S'Jegers has prepared well by working with specialized suppliers and using detailed route and loading analyses through the support of Daimler Truck BeLux. "It is completely new for every transporter who steps into this story and it gives our end customers a familiar feeling that we are not alone, that the people of Daimler Truck BeLux are at the table with their knowledge and expertise," manager Ward S'Jegers comments. And what about the other party involved: the drivers? These are quite positive about the arrival of electric trucks. After a short test drive, it appears that the vehicles are powerful, smooth and quiet, which contributes to driving comfort. Moreover, the younger generation of drivers is enthusiastic about the sustainable technology and the company's vision for the future. Again, Daimler Truck BeLux will provide further support with delivery of the vehicles in the form of a short training course to the drivers who will drive the vehicle.

What will the future bring?

The six eActros 600 trucks will be delivered in May 2025. Further expansion of the electric fleet will depend on performance and customer demand. "Who knows where we will be in 5, or 10 years? A lot will obviously depend on Europe and governments, but what is important is that it all remains financially viable," Ward said. "Because we have taken this step now with Mercedes-Benz Trucks, we have left for a long partnership. The electric story will be evaluated step by step once infrastructure and trucks are in our practice, and our customers will also want to commit more and more to green logistics. It will take some time to test what can and cannot be done. As soon as we notice that things are picking up, we might consider taking the next step. First see what it gives, but I have every confidence in it."

Conclusion

With the purchase of the eActros 600 trucks, S'Jegers is taking an important step toward a sustainable future. The combination of lower TCO, customer demand and the favorable price were decisive for their choice. S'Jegers remains a pioneer in the sector, ready to meet the challenges of the future with innovative and sustainable solutions. For the maintenance of the electric vehicles, they will cooperate with sales partner VDH in the form of a maintenance contract. The good cooperation with VDH on the one hand and Daimler Truck BeLux on the other will thus be continued and expanded in the long term.