Niemi Services in Finland has introduced the world’s first fully electric moving vehicle, with solar panels on the roof, to its fleet. The electric truck represents a concrete step in the electrification of Niemi’s fleet and contributes to the company’s goal of a net-zero emission fleet by 2030.

Sporting the name ‘Electra’, the new electric truck is unique: it is the first large-size moving vehicle with solar panels mounted on its roof. The solar panels provide power for various utilities and electronics in the vehicle, such as the tail lift and air conditioning of the cargo space.

“The roof of a large electric moving vehicle is actually several square metres of unused space. Our idea of using this space for solar panels has received enthusiastic support,” said Juha Niemi, CEO of Niemi Services. “Roof-mounted solar panels can produce power for the vehicle’s utilities. As far as we know, we are the first company ever to launch such a solar power system.”

“Last year, we launched an emissions reduction challenge titled ‘Niemi40haaste’, which was received extremely well by Finnish companies and the public sector,” Juha explained. “Our new electric truck is a concrete step towards the electrification of our vehicle fleet and fulfilling the promises of our challenge.”

It all started with a bright idea

“Niemi had this brilliant idea of using the empty space on the truck roof for solar panels, and our team at Volvo could immediately see its benefits,” recalled Magnus Björklund, CEO of Volvo Finland Ab.

During a full day of work, an electric tail lift might be operated hundreds of times. The air conditioning of the cargo space also consumes electricity. Power produced by the solar panels saves the vehicle’s motive power batteries for driving.

“Volvo has a net-zero emission goal by 2050,” said Magnus. “Our long-term co-operation with Niemi proves that innovative solutions can be found when desired. We need bold pioneers like Niemi who challenge us to develop low-emission transportation further. Climate benefits are not the only positive aspect resulting from the electrification of heavy vehicles. Drivers in Finland and abroad have said that driving an electric truck is less fatiguing than a regular truck, thanks to the absence of noise and vibration. This is another important argument for electric trucks.”

Neste provides charging services

Niemi’s electric moving vehicles are charged at the Helsinki depot with a 22 kW AC charger or a 180 kW high-power DC charger. The high-power charger is intended for heavy vehicles. The charging service is provided by Neste, which piloted the solution with Niemi in 2021. Niemi is the first transport company to co-operate with Neste in the charging of vehicles.

“We want to support our customers as they strive towards ambitious climate goals,” said Tuomas Kulola, Head of Sales, Marketing & Services at Neste. “We are happy to extend our long-running partnership with Niemi to the charging of electric vehicles. For several years now, Niemi has been a leader in phasing out fossil fuels. We believe that an increasing number of companies will use a range of solutions to reduce their carbon footprint, which means that both renewable diesel and electricity will play a significant role in the reduction of emissions from road transport.”

Neste provides vehicle charging as a comprehensive solution for Niemi under the Neste Charge service,” continued Kulola.

Photo: Electra, Niemi’s fully electric moving vehicle.