Lithuanians are getting used to personal electric vehicles, but electric trucks are still a rarity. Lithuanians have already adapted to personal electric vehicles, but spotting an electric truck on our country’s streets is still a rare sight. However, this is about to change—residents of Kaunas and visitors to the city will soon get used to seeing (and not hearing) an exceptionally quiet and completely emission-free truck.
We, Baltic Logistic Solutions, have become the first logistics company in Lithuania to acquire an electric Scania truck. This step aligns with our long-term strategy of continuously modernizing our fleet with more innovative and environmentally friendly solutions.
Efficient and versatile transportation
The three-axle Scania P230, with a total cargo-loaded weight of up to 28 tons, will be used to deliver fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) to shopping centers, restaurants, hotels, manufacturing companies, and other businesses in Kaunas. If necessary, the electric truck will also have unrestricted access to low-emission zones, replacing a previous vehicle that ran on an internal combustion engine.
Designed for urban use
Manufactured in Sweden, the truck is powered by a 230 kW electric motor, drawing energy from a 297 kWh battery. Due to its performance and sustainability, this model is perfectly suited for urban operation. It is equipped with advanced safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree view system, and pedestrian and cyclist detection.
“The electric truck operates without vibrations or noise, unlike diesel models. This greatly benefits the driver’s health, improves workplace ergonomics, and enhances productivity. Additionally, it allows for deliveries in residential areas without causing noise pollution,” says Ramūnas Saveikis, sales manager at Scania Lietuva.
Viktoras Šinkariovas, Baltic Logistic Solutions transport manager for the Baltic states, adds that the truck is equipped with both an electric motor and an electric refrigeration system, making it highly versatile. It is suitable for transporting both temperature-sensitive products (such as frozen and chilled goods) and non-temperature-sensitive cargo.
The truck features a dual-temperature “Schmitz Cargobull” body and a “Carrier” electric refrigeration unit, meaning that no other fuel is used for driving, loading, unloading, or cooling—only electricity. This ensures a completely zero-emission transportation process.
Finding the right formula
Before selecting the Scania P230, we conducted a trial using a prototype to test typical operational tasks, identifying both strengths and areas for improvement. Since electric drivetrains in heavy transport are still a novelty for many businesses, additional planning was required. This included assessing charging infrastructure capacity, optimizing charging locations and tariffs, adjusting driver schedules, and evaluating real-world driving range and battery replenishment times.
“On average, the Scania P230 can travel approximately 200 km on a full charge, making it suitable not only for city use but also for regional transport,” notes R. Saveikis.
Along with the truck, we also acquired a mobile 40 kW charging station, capable of fully charging the truck’s battery in six hours. The main advantage of this charging solution is its flexibility—it can be easily relocated without requiring additional installation costs, provided that a suitable power connection and parking space are available.
Sustainability strategy and future plans
“During the testing phase, we found that our existing charging infrastructure at the base is sufficient for operating the truck. Additionally, we use solar power, and we plan to align charging times with peak solar energy production to maximize the use of renewable electricity,” says V. Šinkariovas.
Our company continuously upgrades its fleet with models that meet the highest EU emission and safety standards. Investing in fleet modernization not only reduces our environmental footprint but also enhances operational efficiency and cost optimization.
“That’s why we feel responsible for taking further steps towards sustainability. Acquiring an electric truck is one of those steps, and we hope other companies in our sector will follow suit,” says a company representative.
The Environmental Project Management Agency (APVA) is currently accepting applications for subsidies for acquiring N3-class electric or hydrogen-powered trucks (over 12 tons). The grant for each new vehicle can reach up to €50,000, and applications are open until October 21, 2025.