The DSV terminal in Horsens is impressive in size, handling 1,000 daily truck arrivals. Trucks are guided to one of the 320 docks or ramps to deliver or pick up goods of all kinds. When fully operational, the terminal is expected to handle up to 1,500 trucks daily.
In addition to the terminal, the logistics center features a Solution Warehouse and a Road Warehouse, covering a total of 276,000 square meters under one roof. Solar panels installed on the warehouse roofs will supply green energy to power the terminal tractors, company vehicles, buildings, and future electric DSV trucks.
CO2-neutral energy was a critical factor when DSV decided to phase out diesel-powered terminal tractors. The challenge was ensuring that electric terminal tractors could operate continuously, handle loose trailers efficiently, and meet the demand for flexible, fast charging.
"We were initially skeptical about electric terminal tractors, but that skepticism has been disproven. The new Terberg YT203-EV terminal tractors work optimally in our busy operations. We can recharge their batteries from 30% to 95% in just 30 minutes, ensuring round-the-clock operation," says Erik Petersen, General Manager at DSV in Horsens.
The terminal tractors contribute to eco-friendly, quiet, and efficient transportation within the DSV site, which spans 70 hectares—the equivalent of 118 football fields. The significant demand for moving trailers requires reliable machines capable of handling high workloads efficiently.
The choice of electric Terberg terminal tractors reflects DSV's commitment to green initiatives. DSV has established its own energy company to provide power from a solar panel system for operations and four stationary 30-ton batteries that store and distribute energy across the terminal.
"The long lifespan of the terminal tractors, batteries, and charging technology makes this a great business case compared to diesel machines. The electric terminal tractors are recharged just outside the door and ready to go after a short break. This solution combines a strong product with an excellent partnership with N.C. Nielsen," says Erik Petersen.
"We were initially skeptical about electric terminal tractors, but that skepticism has been disproven. The new Terberg YT203-EV terminal tractors work optimally in our busy operations. We can recharge their batteries from 30% to 95% in just 30 minutes, ensuring round-the-clock operation."
The two Terberg YT203-EV terminal tractors operate 24/7 at DSV, moving up to 400 loose trailers daily. With a lifting capacity of 36,000 kg, a spacious cabin, optimized visibility, and advanced safety features, these tractors are designed with operators in mind.
The Terberg machines offer quiet operation, allowing operators to maintain focus during tasks. A tablet in the cabin provides a digital overview of tasks, ensuring efficient logistics management.
"It has to be financially viable to invest in green technology, and DSV is a great example of how this can succeed in practice," says Søren W. Kristensen, Key Account Manager at N.C. Nielsen.