Contargo Expands Electric Fleet to 90 DAF XD Electric Tractors Across Germany

Contargo has increased its battery-electric truck fleet to 90 unités with the immediate deployment of 33 new DAF XD Electric tractor heads across Germany.

Milestone delivery and immediate deployment

The latest delivery of 33 DAF XD Electric tractors pushes Contargo’s total number of electric trucks to 90, now active at 15 terminals and depots around Germany. These battery-powered units are already in service, primarily supporting last-mile container movements within combined transport chains.

Fleet snapshot

Why the DAF XD Electric fits terminal and last‑mile work

The DAF XD Electric for Contargo features a high‑power electric drivetrain rated at 350 kW, coupled with five lithium‑iron‑phosphate (LFP) battery modules. LFP chemistry trades lower energy density for excellent cycle life, thermal stability and the absence of cobalt or nickel—attributes that matter when charging is frequent and predictable, such as in intermodal terminals and container yards.

Funding and public support

Most of the roll-out—86 of the 90 trucks plus the installed charging infrastructure—was subsidised via the German Federal Ministry of Digitalisation and Transport (BMDV) under the KsNI funding line. The scheme is coordinated by NOW GmbH, with approvals processed by the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM). Public funding has been pivotal in lowering upfront costs and accelerating adoption across multiple sites.

Operational benefits and practical challenges

• Avantages : Reduced local emissions, lower noise, potential lifecycle savings on fuel and maintenance, and improved regulatory alignment in low‑emission zones.
• Operational fit: Ideal for predictable, short‑range hops typical of last‑mile container transfers and terminal shunting.
• Défis : Charging network capacity, depot power upgrades, payload trade-offs due to battery mass, and the need for revised planning and scheduling.

Real‑world logistics implications

Integrating a growing number of electric tractors into the trunk of container logistics changes more than just the fuel bill. Route planners must account for charging windows and depot dwell times; terminal operators must coordinate charging slots to avoid bottlenecks; and fleet managers must model total cost of ownership across diesel and electric assets. It’s not rocket science, but it does require new playbooks—bite the bullet now or pay later as infrastructure catches up.

What this means for shipping companies and freight operators

For carriers, the move signals that electrification is moving from pilot to production in specific use cases. Container terminals and combined transport operators that adopt electric tractors early can advertise lower emissions for urban legs and may benefit from municipal incentives or preferential access to certain routes. On the flip side, companies must invest in depot upgrades and adapt scheduling systems—so the savings aren’t automatic, but they can be real.

Quick checklist for logistics teams considering electrification

• Audit terminal power capacity and plan phased upgrades.
• Model route profiles to match battery range and charge times.
• Assess payload impacts and adjust vehicle selection if needed.
• Train drivers and workshop staff on new safety and maintenance procedures.
• Explore available subsidies and public funding to lower capital expenditure.

It’s a little like swapping a sledgehammer for a precision tool—same job, quieter and cleaner, but you’ll need to learn the new technique. And as more operators follow Contargo’s footsteps, the learning curve will flatten.

Highlights: Contargo’s expansion to 90 electric trucks underlines the practical viability of battery trucks for last‑mile container transport, the vital role of public funding in scaling up, and the operational shifts required to integrate charging into daily workflows. No amount of glowing reviews can replace hopping into the cab and testing a route yourself—real experience matters. On GetTransport.com, you can order your cargo transportation at the best prices globally at reasonable prices. In terms of wider logistics impact, this development is modest on the global stage but significant regionally for terminal operations and urban freight decarbonisation; GetTransport.com aims to stay abreast of such changes and keep pace with the evolving market. For your next cargo transportation, consider the convenience and reliability of GetTransport.com — Get the best offers GetTransport.com.com

Summary: Contargo’s addition of 33 DAF XD Electric tractors to reach a 90‑truck electric fleet demonstrates a tangible step toward decarbonising container logistics through targeted deployment in last‑mile and terminal roles. Supported largely by the BMDV KsNI programme and coordinated by NOW GmbH avec BALM approvals, the project highlights how subsidies accelerate adoption while exposing the need for charging infrastructure, updated route planning and depot power upgrades. From a logistics perspective, electrification promises quieter, cleaner deliveries and potential lifecycle cost advantages—but requires careful planning around charging, payload and scheduling. Platforms like GetTransport.com offer practical, affordable solutions for cargo, freight, shipment and delivery needs—helping teams manage transport, forwarding, dispatch, haulage and even bulky or international moving tasks with reliable options for containers, pallets and parcels.