Sustainability in logistics is no longer just a distant dream. It’s happening right now—on the road, in planning, and in customer expectations. But how does an electric truck actually work in day-to-day operations? We asked one of our drivers: Martin Amelsbeek.

At Bos Logistics, we operate the latest generation of electric trucks, such as the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600. This isn’t a pilot project, but a deliberate step toward a more sustainable and efficient supply chain.

We spoke with Martin Amelsbeek, a driver at Bos Logistics who drives this electric truck every day. His conclusion is clear: “It takes a bit of a different mindset, but once it’s up and running… you really don’t want to go back.”

From first impression to conviction

Martin has been driving for Bos Logistics for over fifteen years and has always had a strong interest in vehicles. So when the electric truck arrived, his reaction was immediately positive. “I found it interesting right away. It’s a new phase in transportation. A development you want to be a part of.”

Where some might still have had doubts, Martin immediately saw opportunities. He was asked to be one of the first to drive the electric truck. Unlike many electric trucks that are mainly used at and around airports, Martin, as a sleeper-cab driver, also uses it for full-scale routes within the Benelux, including full truck load (FTL) transport. “I’m proud that they asked me to do that. You’re contributing to something new, after all.”

Electric driving is different. But it works.

Electric driving requires a different way of working. Not necessarily more complicated, but more mindful. “It’s a collaboration between the driver and dispatch. You have to think ahead. Where do I charge? What does my route look like? It all has to add up.”

It takes some getting used to at first. “You have to calculate, plan, and sometimes adapt. But after a while, you know exactly what works and what doesn’t. Then it actually makes perfect sense.”

Reliability in practice

An important question for customers: is it just as reliable as diesel? According to Martin, yes. “Yes, it just works. You have to organize it well, but then you can do your job just fine with it.”

He sees that in practice, too. “I’ve driven trips of more than 500 kilometers in a single day. Then you see that it’s really possible, provided you plan it well and the weather cooperates a bit.”

Factors such as weather conditions and driving style play a role in this. “It’s really a sport to drive as efficiently as possible. The smoother and more consistent you drive, the farther you go.”

Comfort and driving experience: a big difference

According to Martin, where electric driving really makes a difference is in the driving experience. “It’s quiet, smooth, and powerful. It’s a real joy to drive.”

That quietness also has immediate practical benefits. “It’s much quieter with customers. You can communicate normally without the engine running. That makes the work and the customer experience more pleasant.”

In addition, modern systems, such as adaptive cruise control and cameras, provide extra safety and comfort on the road. “I’m really happy with those safety features. My mirrors show yellow and red warnings when someone is driving behind or next to me—the well-known ‘blind spot.’ That helps enormously and is good for everyone’s safety.”

What does the customer notice?

For customers, less changes than you might expect. And that’s exactly the point. “The shipment arrives on time as usual. The service remains the same. Only the environmental impact is lower, and there’s also less noise pollution.”

At the same time, it does stand out. “When you arrive in an electric truck, people notice. They come to look, ask questions. It’s really a calling card.”

Honest about the challenges

Electric driving isn’t a perfect system. Certainly not yet. “Charging takes time. Sometimes, after my workweek on Friday, I’m still busy charging the truck. That is a minor drawback.”

The charging infrastructure also requires attention. “The amount of power you get varies by location. And sometimes you have to look for a spot where you can park your truck properly.”

But things are moving fast. “You see more and more charging stations popping up. It’s definitely getting better, step by step.”

Not an experiment, but a new phase in transportation

According to Martin, what makes the difference is how Bos Logistics handles this. “It’s not an experiment. It’s truly part of the operation, of how we work.”

He emphasizes the collaboration within the company. “If there’s an issue, I can always coordinate with planning or fleet management. It gets resolved quickly. That makes the work a lot easier.”

The fact that the trucks are driving on real routes is also significant, he says. “We just drive them every day. That says it all.”

The future of electric transport

Electric driving is going to play an increasingly important role in logistics. “More and more vehicles are being added. The technology is developing rapidly. Longer range, faster charging… it’s moving fast.”

For Martin, it’s clear where things are headed. “It’s different from diesel, but it works. And once you get used to it, you really don’t want to go back.”