CEVA Logistics, ENGIE, and SANEF have joined forces to decarbonise Road Freight


CEVA Logistics, ENGIE, and SANEF launched the European Clean Transport Network Alliance (ECTN Alliance) to build and run a network of truck terminals with low-carbon energy options to convey goods along Europe’s highways.

The new grid will accommodate electric trucks’ constrained range and recharging needs.

In the long run, the terminal network will be accessible to all shippers and carriers, providing convenient access to low-carbon energy options for truck charging and refuelling, such as hydrogen, electric energy, and biogas.

The network will have a particular IT solution strategically positioned on European motorways, allowing transportation companies to arrange their routes and charging schedules in the quickest and most carbon-efficient way.

In addition, the network also seeks to enhance working conditions for long-distance truck drivers by enabling them to stay closer to their homes since they will exchange trailers at each terminal before returning. The remedy proposed by ECTN will improve the trucking sector’s appeal and assist in resolving the truck driver shortage in Europe.

The Alliance will conduct a proof of concept (POC) in 2023 between the Lille and Avignon metropolitan areas in France to demonstrate its feasibility before deploying it on a European scale. 

A dedicated fleet of 20 low-carbon tractor units (a mix of biogas, electric and green hydrogen) will transport 20 trailers daily between the north and southeast of France, relaying and changing trailers at five test sites at existing CEVA Logistics locations.

Local carriers will carry out the pre- and post-carriage transport to and from the test sites. The POC is expected to provide a database for an in-depth understanding of low-carbon truck use for long-distance haulage and options for decarbonising road freight transport in Europe.

“ECTN Alliance members strongly believe that private–public alliances have a key role to play in accelerating climate solutions. The ECTN Alliance is based on a pioneering, holistic approach to decarbonising long-haul trucking. We are proud to launch this bold initiative with best-in-class companies, whose combined expertise will contribute to the success of the project”, says Luc Nadal, Regional Managing Director for Europe, CEVA Logistics. 

Source: CEVA Logistics