Wibax continues its aggressive push towards electrification, aiming to achieve a 100% electrified vehicle fleet by 2030. In the latter part of 2024, Finland's first electric ADR-approved tanker truck is expected to be delivered to Wibax in Hamina.
About a year and a half ago, Wibax set an ambitious environmental goal: a 100% fossil-free electric vehicle fleet powered by 100% self-produced electricity. What makes this goal ambitious is that electric vehicles are still rarely used in chemical transportation. Wibax wants to be a role model and pioneer in this field.
“In 2022, Wibax’ first electric tanker truck began operating in Sweden. According to our information, it was the world’s first electric ADR-approved tanker truck, and there are still not many of them today,” says Wibax Logistics Oy CEO Olli Paasio.
The experiences have been positive, and now Wibax is waiting for four new electric tanker trucks, with three of the vehicles destined for Sweden and the fourth for Finland.
“We are pioneers in the industry in Finland, as this vehicle will be Finland’s first electric ADR-approved tanker truck,” says Paasio.
The new vehicle is a Scania BEV 45R tractor unit, and Wibax will begin heavy tanker transport operations in Finland using this semi-trailer combination.
“The truck will be used for transports in southeastern Finland, and its home base will be Wibax’ terminal in Hamina. Our first fast charger will also be installed there,” says Paasio.
Self-produced green electricity
Although the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles has developed significantly in the passenger vehicle sector, it is still in its early stages for heavy vehicles.
“The plan is to initially place our fast chargers at our own terminals. In this way, we can efficiently charge the truck using our own charging infrastructure while it is being loaded,” says Paasio.
In addition to fixed charging stations at the terminals, Wibax also has a mobile WiCharge charging station in Sweden.
“It is convenient to have mobile charging stations that can be placed along long transport routes and at customer locations. They are not yet available in Finland, but we can use them here in the future if needed,” says Paasio.
Electric heavy vehicles will naturally increase electricity consumption, and Wibax does not want to be a net consumer in the electricity market and drive up electricity prices.
“We are a responsible and sustainable company, so simply switching to electric vehicles is not enough. We want the electricity our vehicles use to also be self-produced,” says Paasio.
For this purpose, a completely new company, Wibax Energy AB, has been set up, to be responsible for all of Wibax Group’s electrification projects, both in terms of charging infrastructure and self-produced green electricity.
“We carefully consider all options for how green electricity can be produced and assess what is most reasonable at any given time. The technology will also develop significantly by 2030, so there are and will be many options,” Paasio explains.
Clearly moving towards a more sustainable future
Currently, Wibax has a total of around 70 transport vehicles in the Nordic region, with about twenty in operation in Finland. Given expected growth, the number of vehicles will increase in the coming years. Much development and investment are needed quickly to reach the ambitious goal of electrifying the entire vehicle fleet by 2030.
“In the coming years, the number of electric vehicles in our operations will gradually increase. We follow technological developments and invest in new equipment when it is reasonable for the planned transport assignments. Investments are made both for growth and as part of normal replacement of vehicles in the fleet.”
Proud pioneers in our field
The direction is clear, and Wibax is working determinedly towards electrification, sustainability, and more environmentally friendly operations. Paasio says that Wibax wants to do things better and cleaner, in line with the Wibax Group’s strategic choices.
“And, of course, it is also important for our customers. We want to help reduce emissions in their value chains,” he says.
Paasio is proud of how Wibax is a leader in our field.
“We wish to remain pioneering in the industry, and to also show others that heavy logistics can be made sustainable as well!”
