Airport
Revolution on the apron
When it comes to advanced mobility, Stuttgart plays a pioneering role. Innovative solutions for greater sustainability have a firm place here. A shining example of this pioneering spirit is the Mercedes-Benz eEconic eRefueller – the world’s first refuelling vehicle based on an electric truck. The special truck is in use at Stuttgart Airport and is conquering the taxiway with its high efficiency.
Emission-free aircraft refuelling at Stuttgart Airport with the eEconic.
New ways with strong partners
The ground-breaking eEconic eRefueller resulted from collaboration between Daimler Truck AG and tanker vehicle body specialist Dr.-Ing. Ulrich Esterer GmbH & Co. KG. Equipped with a 40,000-l-tank that is electrically operated and draws its energy directly from the vehicle’s batteries, the eEconic eRefueller represents an economically and ecologically forward-looking solution.
“With the eEconic eRefueller, we can present an overall solution that is economically and ecologically forward-looking.”
Franziska Cusumano, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks, and Julia Esterer of Dr.-Ing. Ulrich Esterer GmbH & Co. KG highlight how this project supports the airport's sustainability goals. The airport operator has set itself the goal of drastically reducing emissions in ground handling. A major challenge that is being tackled with vehicles such as the all-electric eEconic.
Pioneer among the blades.
The uniqueness of the eEconic eRefueller lies not only in its electric drive but also in its ability to drive beneath the wings of aircraft. This makes refuelling even easier. For this purpose, the electric truck is available with a huge capacity of 40,000 l. That is enough for most aircraft at Stuttgart Airport, as they are rarely fully refuelled for weight reasons.
Skytanking, the airport's refuelling service provider, is enthusiastic about the high efficiency of the eEconic eRefueller in everyday operation. The ability to operate for an entire day without recharging underscores the vehicle's performance. One to two charging sessions per working week are usually sufficient – a testament to the exceptional economy of the drive system.
Are you interested in the eEconic?
The "finalize!" project is an essential part of the airport's ambitious climate strategy. Together with Skytanking and the bright minds of Aachen University of Applied Sciences, the operator is showing how climate protection works in practice. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action is providing financial support.
A major step for the industry.
The deployment of the Mercedes-Benz eEconic for aircraft refuelling at Stuttgart Airport shows how ambitious sustainability goals can be achieved when corporate, academic and public actors come together. The eEconic eRefueller is the result of genuine pioneering work and a milestone in the electrification of commercial vehicle transport.
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