MAN Begins Production of Electric Trucks at Munich Plant
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MUNICH—MAN Truck & Bus has officially launched a series of production of its battery-electric trucks at the company’s main manufacturing facility in Munich. For the first time, electric and diesel trucks will be assembled on the same production line in a fully integrated, flexible process.
“This is a turning point in MAN’s history,” said CEO Alexander Vlaskamp. “The future of MAN begins now. Our highly efficient electric trucks will enable locally emission-free freight transport, representing a major step toward our goal of becoming CO2-neutral by 2050. The ability to produce both electric and diesel trucks on the same line gives us unprecedented flexibility and efficiency.”
MAN has invested approximately €400 million in research and development to electrify its truck portfolio, which now includes vehicles ranging from 12 to 50 tonnes. The company aims to deliver 1,000 electric trucks by the end of the year. When powered by green electricity, these vehicles could save up to 80,000 tonnes of CO2 annually—comparable to the emissions of a small town.
Manfred Weber emphasized the broader impact of MAN’s innovation, stating: “Technology and innovation are key to achieving Europe’s climate and economic objectives. MAN is demonstrating what sustainable freight transport looks like in practice.”
The Munich plant now produces up to 100 trucks per day, regardless of drivetrain, with each unit taking approximately eight hours to complete. Over 5,000 employees have been trained in high-voltage systems to support the transition. In contrast to diesel trucks, electric models are equipped with two batteries and an electrical power pack under the cab.
“We are investing around €1 billion this decade to electrify our European production network, with a significant share of that investment in Germany,” said Michael Kobriger, Executive Board Member for Production and Logistics. “This is a clear industrial policy signal that Bavaria will remain a hub for advanced manufacturing.”
Prior to the start of series production, MAN delivered nearly 200 pre-series electric trucks, which have collectively covered over two million kilometers in real-world customer operations across Europe. The company has received approximately 700 confirmed orders for its electric trucks, which offer ranges up to 740 kilometers, depending on battery configuration.
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Notably, MAN’s electric Ultra Lowliner semi-trailer tractor is already in service in regions such as Wolfsburg and Bavaria, offering unique capabilities for automotive logistics with its low fifth-wheel height and three-meter internal loading height.
The trucks are powered by three to six modular NMC battery packs—with an optional seventh for maximum range—manufactured at MAN’s facility in Nuremberg. MAN has invested €250 million into battery production capabilities at the site, which will also supply electric city and intercity buses.
MAN is already a European market leader in electric city buses, with over 2,500 units in operation. The company recently introduced its first electric coach and now offers over one million configuration options for electric commercial vehicles.
The transition to e-mobility is central to MAN’s sustainability strategy. Approximately 95% of the company’s total CO2 emissions stem from vehicles in use. Electrification will play a vital role in helping MAN—and its customers—meet EU emissions targets in the coming decades.
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