Porsche is making a push toward sustainability by expanding its use of alternative fuels within its transport logistics operations. The sports car manufacturer is using a mix of electric and biogas-powered heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) at its primary German production sites in Zuffenhausen, Weissach, and Leipzig.
This new initiative involves the introduction of six new electric HGVs, which will complement the existing fleet of 22 biogas-fueled HGVs. These vehicles transport production materials within the plants and facilitate the delivery of new vehicles, including to the Swiss market.
The expansion of the electric HGV fleet isn't the only thing Porsche has been working on. The company has also been testing the use of synthetic diesel fuels (HVO100) in its existing HGV fleet since 2020. The four-year pilot is being conducted in partnership with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and Müller – Die lila Logistik.
Albrecht Reimold, a Member of the Executive Board for Production and Logistics, discussed Porsche's commitment to sustainability. “Decarbonisation is an integral part of our sustainability strategy. The use of trucks with alternative drives and fuels is an important step toward achieving our ambitious goals. In doing so, we are consciously opting to use a mix of drive types that are appropriate to how the vehicles are deployed,” he said.
In addition to electric and biogas-powered vehicles, Porsche has a long-standing commitment to using HGVs fueled by compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Since 2020, Porsche has been conducting trials of HVO100 synthetic diesel, derived from residual and waste materials. The fuel, meeting the specifications of the Renewable Energy Directive II (RED II), has demonstrated reliability and efficiency comparable to traditional diesel, resulting in significant CO2 savings.
Porsche's dedication to sustainability extends beyond its transport logistics operations. The company has achieved CO2-neutral vehicle production at its Zuffenhausen and Leipzig plants since 2020.