Imagine kickstarting a greener revolution in the world of beverage delivery— that's exactly what’s happening as MAN hands over two cutting-edge electric trucks to power Sanpellegrino's logistics. If you're wondering how everyday companies are tackling climate change head-on, this story is your gateway to understanding the shift toward sustainable transport.
MAN, a leading truck manufacturer, has just delivered a pair of its innovative eTGX electric trucks to an Italian transport firm called Koiné. These vehicles will roll into action supporting the logistics needs of the famous beverage giant Sanpellegrino, known for its sparkling mineral water. Looking ahead, Koiné has big plans: they're aiming to add as many as 50 of these eTGX models to their lineup over the next several years. For those new to electric vehicles in heavy-duty transport, the eTGX is essentially a battery-powered semi-truck designed for long hauls, replacing traditional diesel engines with zero-emission electric power to cut down on pollution.
Nestled in the region between Bergamo and Milan, Koiné stands as a powerhouse in the logistics world, managing almost 1,000 vehicles and ranking among Europe's top providers in the field. This initial delivery of two eTGX units isn't just a one-off—it's the launchpad for a major push to boost the electric portion of their fleet dramatically. To make this eco-friendly switch smoother, Koiné is pouring resources into a state-of-the-art solar energy setup at their brand-new logistics hub in Levate. This solar array boasts a capacity of up to five megawatts, enough to generate a hefty chunk of clean electricity specifically to recharge the massive batteries in their electric trucks. Think of it like installing your own personal power plant to fuel your fleet—practical and forward-thinking for reducing reliance on the grid.
Paolo Toccafondi, Koiné's Managing Director, puts it passionately: 'Our goal is to electrify up to a third of our entire fleet in the coming three years. Sustainability isn't some distant dream for us; it's woven into our everyday operations. Partnering with MAN's eTGX lets us deliver reliable, high-efficiency transport that's kind to the planet for clients like the Sanpellegrino Group.' And this is the part most people miss: electrifying such a large operation isn't cheap or simple, but it's a bold move that could inspire others.
Over the next few years, Koiné's focus will be on the long-haul version of the eTGX, which MAN began delivering to customers starting in October 2024 (check out more details here: https://www.electrive.com/2024/10/17/man-hands-over-first-etruck-handed-to-a-customer/). Fast-forward to October 2025, and Italy saw its very first customer handover of this model, going to another logistics outfit, Fratelli Foppiani Trasporti (for the full scoop: https://www.electrive.com/2025/10/16/fratelli-foppiani-receives-first-man-etgx-electric-trucks-in-italy/).
From MAN's side, Michael Kobriger, who's on the Board for Production and Logistics, shares the excitement: 'Each eTGX we deliver pushes the boundaries of what's possible in transportation. We're all about crafting trucks that blend top-tier tech with a strong eco-conscious approach, helping our partners navigate their journey to cleaner energy.'
These initial two trucks from Koiné will tackle routes linking Sanpellegrino's production facilities—the heart of that iconic water brand—with key depots in Madone and Levate. Expect them to clock about 250,000 kilometers annually, with schedules carefully planned to sync up perfectly with charging stops and the trucks' driving range. For beginners, this means optimizing trips so the vehicles can recharge during downtime, much like planning your electric car route around superchargers to avoid running out of juice.
Svante Palebo, Global Head of Supply Chain at Nestlé Waters (Sanpellegrino's parent company), chimes in: 'Switching to electric for transport is a cornerstone of our plan to slash carbon emissions. Projects like this one help streamline our supply chain, making it more accountable and equipped to handle tomorrow's demands.' But here's where it gets controversial: while these initiatives sound groundbreaking, skeptics point out that the environmental benefits of electric trucks could be offset by the energy-intensive process of mining battery materials. Is the net gain truly as green as it seems, or are we overlooking hidden costs?
For more on MAN's sustainable efforts, including how they're keeping CO2 out of even the sparkling water supply, visit mantruckandbus.com (https://press.mantruckandbus.com/corporate/co2-only-in-sparkling-water/).
This piece draws from the original reporting by Florian Treiß, first featured in electrive's German edition (https://www.electrive.net/2025/12/08/zwei-man-etgx-fuer-die-logistik-von-sanpellegrino/).
What do you think—can ambitious goals like electrifying a third of a massive fleet in just three years really take off without major hurdles? Or is this more hype than reality? Drop your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you're rooting for this electric future or if you've got concerns about the bigger picture!
