Austrian Post Tests Solar Panels on Truck Roofs

Since the beginning of March 2020, Austrian Post AG has been testing the use of solar panels in its fleet. The solar modules mounted on the roofs of trucks generate electricity, which is directly fed into the battery.

(Vienna, 16.04.2020) When the truck is in operation, the alternator is relieved by the additional power supply. This process leads to fuel savings and, above all, a reduction in emissions. Additionally, retrofitting extends the lifespan of the vehicle battery, allowing for a more resource-efficient use of the materials used in it.

“As Austrian Post, we want not only to expand our capacities but also to align our logistics network with the needs of the future. The sustainability concept has been central to the company for years. The test of these new solar panels shows how we can further enhance our sustainable energy management,” says DI Peter Umundum, Board Member for Parcel & Logistics at Austrian Post AG.

Test Operation Until the End of the Year
Currently, three trucks equipped with solar panels are in the transport logistics of Austrian Post. The modifications of the vehicles were carried out in February of this year, and since then they have been in operation, with the test phase running until the end of 2020. The solar panels themselves are very thin (3 mm) and weigh around 10 kilograms, are durable and shatterproof. Tests by partners show that an annual fuel saving of up to 5 percent per truck is achievable.

After the test phase, it will be analyzed whether additional vehicles of Austrian Post will be equipped with solar panels.

Largest E-Fleet as a Pioneer of Green Logistics
Since 2011, Austrian Post has been delivering all its shipments CO2-neutral. With the initiative “CO2 NEUTRAL DELIVERED,” the Post has set itself the goal of gradually reducing the company’s ecological footprint. This involves continuously reducing the company’s own energy and fuel consumption as well as investing in the expansion of clean energy. Meanwhile, the Post has the largest e-fleet in Austria with around 1,750 electric vehicles, making it a pioneer in green logistics.

Photo: Austrian Post

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