Austrian transport company Schlager Transport Logistik, in collaboration with tire manufacturer Continental, is setting a new standard for sustainability in the logistics industry. With a strong commitment to electromobility, Schlager has already integrated five electric trucks into its fleet, covering a combined 540,000 kilometers. The company aims to transition its entire fleet to electric drive by 2030.
Electrifying the Transport Industry
Hubert Schlager, a pioneer in electric mobility, firmly believes in the viability of alternative drive systems for logistics. “We are convinced that electromobility is the future of the transport industry,” says Schlager, who has also inspired other companies to adopt e-trucks.
Schlager Transport has been a loyal Continental customer for two decades, relying on Conti Eco tires known for their longevity and optimal rolling resistance. These tires play a crucial role in enhancing fleet sustainability by improving efficiency and reducing emissions. Additionally, the company utilizes Continental’s ContiConnect digital tire monitoring system, which ensures proper tire pressure across its fleet, further optimizing energy efficiency and lowering total operating costs.
Investing in a Sustainable Future
For Schlager, embracing innovation is key to securing the company’s future. “We want to set an example and prove that electromobility in the transport sector is already a reality,” he states. While the availability of electric trucks has increased, infrastructure challenges remain a hurdle.
To address this, Schlager Transport has developed its own state-of-the-art charging infrastructure, featuring six rapid charging stations and a large photovoltaic energy storage system. This self-sufficient energy setup not only reduces dependency on external charging networks but also significantly cuts costs.
Economic and Environmental Gains
Electrifying the fleet has proven to be a smart financial move. Government incentives, reduced tolls, and operational efficiencies have made e-truck adoption more economical. “With a 75% reduction in tolls, we save €16,000 per vehicle annually,” Schlager explains, adding that the investment in electric trucks is recouped within four years.
Continental, a strong advocate for sustainability, continues to innovate by developing tires specifically designed for electric vehicles. “We take sustainability seriously, which is why we engineer all our tires to enhance fleet efficiency and support electromobility,” says Sascha Ferdinandt, Area Manager Fleet Solutions at Continental Tire Austria.
Leading the Green Logistics Movement
With a clear vision and strategic partnerships, Schlager Transport and Continental are at the forefront of green logistics. By combining cutting-edge vehicle technology with smart energy solutions, they are proving that sustainable transport is not just possible—it’s the future.
