The Future of Logistics Runs on Electricity - Podcast: SMATRICS Appears on “Friends on the Road”
The Friends on the Road network is committed to promoting greater appreciation, visibility, and a modern image of freight transport. As a member of Friends on the Road, SMATRICS is supporting the industry’s transformation toward zero-emission logistics and views this as much more than just a technological shift. Collaboration, reliability, and a shared understanding of the transportation industry’s needs are also crucial.
In the fourth episode of the Friends on the Road podcast, Thomas Dittrich, Team Lead Sales Austria at SMATRICS, and Christian Spendel, President of Friends on the Road, discuss the future of electric mobility in heavy-duty transportation. They focus on the prerequisites for a successful transition to electric trucks and the question of what solutions are already available to logistics companies today.
Electric Mobility Requires Reliable Infrastructure
Logistics companies operate on tight schedules and follow clearly defined processes. Outages can quickly lead to delays throughout the entire supply chain. That is why the operational reliability of the charging infrastructure is a top priority.
As a full-service provider, SMATRICS relies on integrated systems and solutions that have been tried and tested over many years. From planning and installation to ongoing operation, everything comes from a single source. This simplifies processes and reduces potential sources of error.
A 24/7 hotline and our own Austria-wide field service provide additional peace of mind. In the event of a malfunction, problems can be quickly analyzed and resolved directly on site. Because SMATRICS has in-depth knowledge of the hardware and underlying systems in use, many malfunctions can be resolved quickly. This ensures predictability and reliability in day-to-day operations.
Smart Load Management Reduces the Strain on the Power Grid
As fleets become increasingly electrified, the efficient use of available grid power is becoming more important. Modern load management systems help optimize the use of existing capacity and ensure that grid connections are designed cost-effectively.
Through smart energy metering and dynamic control, the available power is automatically distributed among the connected charging stations. Charging processes can be prioritized, rescheduled, or adjusted as needed. This keeps the grid load under control while making the best possible use of the existing infrastructure.
Digital Tools Simplify Day-to-Day Fleet Management
Many companies fear that operating charging infrastructure will result in additional administrative burdens. Digital platforms can significantly alleviate this concern.
With charVIS Business, you can manage charging cards, create driver profiles, and centrally control charging processes. All relevant information is consolidated on a single dashboard. Administrators can monitor the status of their charging stations at all times and intervene remotely as needed. It is even possible to restart charging stations without a technician having to be on site.
As a result, the charging infrastructure integrates seamlessly into existing operational processes and supports dispatchers and fleet managers in their day-to-day work.
Charging During Mandated Rest Periods
A key advantage of electric commercial vehicles is the ability to coordinate charging times with existing driving and rest periods. Vehicles can charge while drivers take their legally required breaks.
As a result, there is generally no additional downtime. Charging becomes an integral part of the transportation process and can be incorporated into route planning well in advance.
Working Together to Expand Reach
For many logistics companies, the availability of suitable charging points along their routes is a key issue. This is exactly where the Depot Club comes in.
The network connects companies with charging infrastructure and electric truck fleets. Operators of charging depots can make available charging slots for authorized members and make better use of their infrastructure. At the same time, transportation companies gain access to predictable charging options along their routes.
Full control by the site operators is particularly important here. They decide for themselves which companies are allowed to use their charging stations and at what times. This creates a model that facilitates access to charging infrastructure while also taking the owners’ interests into account.
Listen to the Full Podcast Episode Now
In the fourth episode of the Friends on the Road podcast, Thomas Dittrich and Christian Spendel discuss in detail the challenges and opportunities presented by the electrification of heavy-duty transportation, as well as the role that charging infrastructure, load management, and partnerships play in this process.
You can listen to the full episode here.