Rhenus High Tech has gained itself a reputation as an expert for value-added logistics for technically sophisticated products such as electric charging points, medical devices as well as solar panel units and heat pumps. In order to guarantee rapid and flexible transport operations for high-volume and sensitive products to their final place of use, the logistics specialist has an extensive network, high levels of capacity and a special fleet for distributing products so that they do not suffer any damage.
Rhenus High Tech also regularly tests concepts to achieve more environmentally-friendly logistics operations, for example, by using alternative fuels in its fleet. By participating in the REALIST project (Real-life Laboratory to Accelerate the Electrification of Urban Logistics Traffic in Stuttgart), the company is once again underlining its commitment to sustainable logistics in Germany. Frank Willemelis, the Fleet Manager at Rhenus High Tech, has expressed his enthusiasm for the company’s involvement in the scheme. “Rhenus High Tech is one of the pioneers of green logistics for the last mile. We’re therefore very happy to support this trailblazing project and are proud that we’re making a contribution towards improving the environmental credentials of logistics operations in inner-city areas through being part of it.”
The project is being supported by the Climate Innovation Fund in the city of Stuttgart. Charlotte Wagner, the Project Manager at the University of Stuttgart, is well aware of the uniqueness of this project. “REALIST stands out because it creates a unique link between logistics and the electricity network and this will create economically and technically feasible concepts.”
A project in three phases
The concept behind REALIST envisages three distinct phases: a feasibility study, practical trials with the freight forwarding partners and the gradual introduction of the concept in the marketplace. While the feasibility analysis has been up and running since August 2022, the practical trials at Rhenus High Tech will start in August 2024. The project is not only testing the use of electric trucks. The electricity supply concept, how power is supplied to the city, is also being examined in a test area on an industrial estate in Stuttgart. The participating freight forwarding companies are examining the possibility of switching their processes by using an electric truck.
Rhenus High Tech is handling the installation of the charging infrastructure as well as purchasing and operating an electric truck as part of the real-life laboratory. The company is also making available statistics gained from its experience and telematic data, which enable ideal operational planning and monitoring of the vehicle’s performance. Continual sharing of information among those involved during the entire term of the project ensures that all of them have the latest information available and can work on drawing up solutions together. During the final phase, the gradual introduction of the concept in the marketplace, the findings generated from the practical trials will serve as the basis for the power supply and logistics concept for electrically-powered urban deliveries in Stuttgart.
Herzog-Adolf-Straße 3
