# Rhenus and JUNA begin electric truck trials in Germany

- **Source:** https://pelavox.com/rhenus-and-juna-begin-electric-truck-trials-in-germany/
- **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping)
- **Author:** Helena Pierce
- **Published:** 2026-11-12T11:00:00+00:00
- **Updated:** 2026-11-12T11:00:00+00:00
- **Section:** Transport / Road
- **Type:** News
- **Topics:** Düsseldorf, Electric Mobility, Electric Trucks, Fleet Electrification, Freight Transport, Germany, JUNA, Rhenus, Road Freight, Scania, Sustainable Logistics, Truck-as-a-Service

Rhenus and JUNA have signed a Letter of Intent to explore the use of battery-electric trucks within Rhenus Group’s asset-light road freight operations in Germany, with an initial vehicle already operating in Düsseldorf.

The cooperation introduces JUNA’s truck-as-a-service model into the Rhenus transport network, allowing the logistics company to assess electric vehicle performance without taking on the full financial commitments associated with purchasing and owning the trucks. The companies will evaluate operating costs, route suitability and vehicle performance as they consider opportunities for wider deployment.

A battery-electric Scania truck supplied by JUNA is already being tested in daily operations at Rhenus’ Düsseldorf location. The initial deployment will provide operational data to determine where electric trucks can offer a practical and economically viable alternative to conventional diesel vehicles.

## Evaluating electric trucks in asset-light logistics

Under the arrangement, JUNA provides electric trucks through a usage-based subscription model, with charges linked to the distance travelled. The service includes maintenance, repairs, insurance, telematics and charging support, reducing the initial investment required from transport operators.

The model is intended to address some of the financial uncertainties associated with electric heavy-duty vehicles, particularly their higher acquisition costs and residual values. It also allows Rhenus to examine how electric trucks could be introduced into a transport network that relies on external carriers rather than a fully owned fleet.

As part of the cooperation, Rhenus and JUNA will analyse transport flows across the logistics group’s German operations to identify routes where battery-electric trucks can operate reliably and competitively. Their assessment will focus on vehicle utilisation, operating expenses, charging requirements and the total cost of ownership compared with diesel trucks.

The partnership could result in the deployment of up to 12 battery-electric trucks across Rhenus locations in Germany by the end of 2027. However, this remains a potential expansion rather than a confirmed fleet commitment, with further deployment decisions expected to depend on the results of the operational assessments.

Thomas Wippermann, Managing Director of Rhenus Overland Transport Holding, said the cooperation will allow the company to evaluate electric trucks under actual operating conditions while maintaining its asset-light business model.

“For us, the important step is moving from assumptions to practical experience,” said Wippermann.

JUNA will contribute its vehicle subscription model and route analysis capabilities, while Rhenus will provide the transport network and operational experience needed to assess the technology across different applications.

The initiative reflects growing interest in service-based vehicle models as logistics providers examine the commercial viability of electrifying road freight operations. By testing electric trucks on existing transport routes, the two companies aim to establish where the technology can be integrated into everyday logistics activities without requiring substantial upfront vehicle investment.

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Cite as: "Rhenus and JUNA begin electric truck trials in Germany", pelavox., 12 November 2026, https://pelavox.com/rhenus-and-juna-begin-electric-truck-trials-in-germany/