Imagine a truck driving through Sweden’s vast landscapes – from the snowy roads of Luleå in the north to Helsingborg in the south. Now picture that same truck quietly harvesting energy from the sun as it moves. This isn’t science fiction – it’s the latest innovation tested by DHL Freight Sweden, in partnership with Danish solar technology company Green Energy Group.
At DHL Freight, we are exploring every opportunity to reduce emissions. Already today, we have lowered greenhouse gas emissions thanks to an increasing number of electric and biofuel-powered vehicles. But the question remains: How can we make these solutions even more efficient?
The answer might be shining right above us.
The Pilot: Ten Trucks, One Vision
For one year, Green Energy’s solar solution is being tested on ten trucks, with 240 Wp (Watt peak) systems on four hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and four liquefied biogas (LBG) trucks and 320 Wp systems on two LBG trucks, across both Scania and Volvo models. These ultra-light, durable panels will generate renewable energy to power onboard systems like tail lifts and cooling units – systems that traditionally rely on the truck’s alternator and fuel. This reduces the load on the generator, which in turn lowers overall fuel consumption.
“The technology and materials for solar cells have evolved over many years, and this is a very thin solar panel made of a new material designed to withstand the tough conditions on the road. We are following the test with great interest and hope to use this technology to reduce fuel consumption,” says Ylva Öhrnell, Director Sustainability at DHL Freight Sweden.
The trucks’ fuel consumption is being closely monitored and tracked throughout the test period. The test also examines how much solar energy is generated in different geographic parts of Sweden – for example, how the midnight sun and the dark winter period in northern Sweden affect the results.
“In this pilot, we are building on positive results from diesel vehicles where our solar panels have reduced fuel consumption and corresponding emissions by 4–7%. Together with DHL Freight Sweden, we look forward to measuring results in transport using alternative fuels,” says Anders Mikkelsen from Green Energy.
Why It Matters
This pilot isn’t just about technology; it’s about transformation. By combining solar energy with alternative fuels, we’re creating a transport model that’s cleaner, more efficient, and ready for the future.
Every kilometer driven in this pilot brings us closer to a future where heavy transport is powered by renewable energy and alternative fuels. For DHL Freight, sustainability isn’t just a goal – it’s a journey. And with the sun on our side, that journey looks brighter than ever.
