Leroy Merlin has put its first 100% electric heavy vehicle into circulation, reinforcing the electrification of its logistics operations. In operation since October 6th, the truck covers a daily route of 545 kilometers between the National Distribution Center in Castanheira do Ribatejo and the Canelas Regional Platform in Vila Nova de Gaia.

The company estimates that using the vehicle will reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by approximately 144 tons per year. The operation is carried out in partnership with TJA – Transportes J. Amaral.

Capacity doubled per trip

From the Mercedes brand, the truck is equipped with a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, composed of three modules and with a total capacity of 621 kWh. The advertised range is up to 500 kilometers, with a motor power of 400 kW/600 kW and charging capacity up to 400 kW via CCS2 or 1.000 kW via MCS.

The vehicle uses a double-deck semi-trailer , which allows it to transport up to 66 Euro pallets in a single trip, double the average capacity of a conventional semi-trailer, which holds around 33 pallets.

This configuration allows for moving more goods per trip and may reduce the number of trucks needed to transport the same volume of products.

Electrification reaches heavy transport.

The truck's entry into operation expands Leroy Merlin's logistics electrification strategy. Currently, 20% of the kilometers traveled in last-mile distribution are already covered by electric vehicles.

João Lavos, Director of Sustainability and Positive Impact at Leroy Merlin Portugal, believes that the initiative demonstrates the possibility of combining innovation, efficiency, and reduced environmental impact in the supply chain.

In turn, Dalila Tavares, the company's Transport Director in Portugal, highlights the combination of the vehicle's range and the capacity of the double-decker semi-trailer, emphasizing the importance of coordination with transport partners to realize the project.