Nedcargo launches ‘Remia shuttle’ with electric Volvo FM

Remia and Nedcargo are deploying an electric Volvo FM for shuttle transport between the factory in Den Dolder and the distribution center in Soesterberg. The launch was celebrated by representatives from both companies, including Karel de Rooij (CEO and owner of Remia) and Diederik Jan Antvelink (CEO of Nedcargo), alongside Alderman Osama Suna of the Municipality of Soest and Natasja Jonker of the Municipality of Zeist. With this new electric connection, both parties are immediately reducing CO₂ emissions, particulate matter, and noise pollution.

Remia and Nedcargo have been working together in distribution and warehousing for over 45 years. In this anniversary year—marking 100 years for Remia and 25 for Nedcargo—they chose a symbolic and meaningful gift for each other and the local community: a quieter, cleaner logistics solution that is ready for immediate use.

Customers and logistics providers join forces

Karel de Rooij, CEO of Remia:

“For 100 years, Remia has stood for quality and innovation. That applies not only to our products but also to how we distribute them. We have been working with Nedcargo for decades, and this initiative shows that we are committed to making progress in sustainability as well. This truck operates completely emission-free and is much quieter—which is also a benefit for local residents in Den Dolder. This is an investment in the future of our supply chain and our planet.”

Diederik Jan Antvelink, CEO of Nedcargo:

“We are giving ourselves a gift today: an electric truck and a charging station. Because we have to. Because we can. And above all, because we believe in partnerships that make an impact. This isn’t a trial or a pilot project—this is simply the new way of working.”

Nedcargo aims to electrify all shuttle routes in the Benelux by 2030. These so-called ‘local loops’ are short, fixed routes between the production sites of major brands and Nedcargo’s distribution centers. Currently, there are at least 25 active shuttles within the Benelux and about ten additional ones between the Port of Rotterdam and Nedcargo warehouses. The company expects to need approximately 25 electric trucks for this purpose.

The biggest challenge? Not the vehicles, but the charging infrastructure: “The will is there. The technology is there, too. But unfortunately, it is often the lack of sufficient power grid capacity at our distribution centers that holds us back,” says Antvelink. “As soon as that bottleneck is resolved, we can accelerate.”

The truck delivered is a Volvo FM Electric with a total battery capacity of 540 kWh, of which 380 kWh is usable. This allows for up to 14 shuttle trips per day between Soesterberg and Den Dolder. The distance is relatively short (approx. 8 km per trip), but the truck operates with a gross vehicle weight of 40 to 45 tons. As a result, the effective range is approximately 220 kilometers. The charging station at the Nedcargo site provides green energy, meaning the use of this electric truck results in an estimated 30 percent reduction in CO₂ for all shuttle traffic between Remia and Nedcargo.

In the coming months, the focus will be on optimizing the use of the charging infrastructure, including scheduling the right charging times, managing grid capacity, and training drivers to maximize the vehicle's range.