A success model for the logistics industry
The electrification of truck fleets is no longer a fairy tale — it is economically feasible today and offers enormous advantages. An outstanding example of this transformation is the SME logistics company Nanno Janssen GmbH. While many companies are still weighing electric mobility against hydrogen, Nanno Janssen has taken action. The company already operates a significant portion of its fleet with electric trucks and will shortly convert two-thirds of its nearly 70-vehicle fleet to electric drivetrains.
But the transition goes beyond simply purchasing e-trucks. Nanno Janssen has invested in a complete energy ecosystem, consisting of charging stations, battery storage, a photovoltaic system, and the right software to make energy supply for its own fleet more cost-efficient and sustainable.
The challenges facing the logistics industry
The logistics industry is under increasing economic and regulatory pressure:
- Rising diesel prices & CO₂ taxes are driving up operating costs.
- Customers demand sustainable supply chains and will increasingly prefer partners with demonstrably climate-friendly solutions.
- Skilled labor shortages make recruitment difficult — especially for drivers.
For Nanno Janssen, it was clear: those who act early secure a competitive advantage.
Solution: Holistic electrification & smart infrastructure
Instead of simply relying on electric trucks, the company developed a holistic concept for sustainable logistics:
- Electric trucks: A significant portion of the fleet already consists of e-trucks — with a rising trend.
- Depot charging: Own charging infrastructure with intelligent load management ensures efficient charging.
- Battery storage: Surplus energy from the grid or PV system is stored and used strategically.
- Photovoltaic system: Part of the required electricity is self-generated to reduce costs and increase independence from the electricity market.
- Digitalization & smart charging: Intelligent software solutions optimize charging to avoid peak loads and minimize operating costs.
Results: Competitive advantages through sustainable transformation
Nanno Janssen proves that sustainability pays off economically. The benefits are already measurable today:
- Growing customer demand: Sustainability-conscious clients are increasingly choosing green logistics partners.
- An economically viable e-fleet: Through strategic action, the haulage company manages to make electrification economically competitive with diesel transport.
- More qualified applicants: Nanno Janssen receives a large number of applications from drivers who want to drive e-trucks. Workplace comfort through reduced vibration and quick acceleration on the road are the reasons.
- Industry leadership & positive image: The company is perceived as a pioneer for sustainable logistics and is gaining market share as a result.
A prominent example of this strategy is Tobias Wagner — the "electric trucker" who specifically searched for a haulage company with an electric fleet. This development shows: sustainability is not only an ecological but also an entrepreneurial success model.
Lessons learned: What other companies can learn from Nanno Janssen
- Early adoption pays off — companies that act now secure market advantages over competitors who wait.
- Sustainability can be a revenue & recruiting driver — an increasing number of customers and employees prefer companies with a clear sustainability strategy.
- Do good and talk about it — Nanno Janssen strategically uses marketing measures such as industry articles or podcasts to make the transformation visible and win customers.
Conclusion: Act now, don't wait!
The electrification of truck fleets is no longer an experiment — it is a lived reality. Companies like Nanno Janssen show that even in the SME sector, early transformation not only benefits the environment but also delivers economic advantages.