Quehenberger Goes All-Electric for Dm Store Deliveries in Vienna

Why It Matters

Electrifying last‑mile deliveries cuts greenhouse‑gas emissions and noise, enhancing urban livability while demonstrating a scalable model for sustainable logistics in Europe’s dense retail networks.

Key Takeaways

• Ten Volvo FM Electric trucks now serve 100 dm stores in Vienna
• Annual CO₂ reduction hits 389 tonnes, equal to 2.78 M car‑km avoided
• Noise pollution noticeably drops across city neighborhoods
• Route optimization enabled full electrification without service disruption

Pulse Analysis

European cities are tightening emissions standards, and logistics providers are under pressure to decarbonize last‑mile delivery. Quehenberger’s partnership with dm illustrates how a focused rollout of electric trucks can meet regulatory expectations while preserving service quality. By leveraging Volvo’s FM Electric platform—offering up to 300 km of range per charge—the company aligns with Vienna’s broader climate agenda and the EU’s Green Deal targets, positioning itself as a forward‑looking player in sustainable freight.

The operational shift involved scaling from an initial trio of electric trucks to a full fleet of ten, each optimized for urban routes that connect roughly 100 dm drugstores. This fleet delivers daily, emission‑free cargo, cutting 389 tonnes of CO₂ annually—equivalent to eliminating 2.78 million car kilometres. Beyond carbon, the electric trucks produce significantly less noise, improving quality of life in residential districts. Quehenberger’s success hinged on meticulous route planning, capacity modeling, and the rollout of charging infrastructure, demonstrating that technical and logistical challenges can be overcome without compromising delivery speed.

For the logistics sector, Quehenberger’s case offers a replicable blueprint. The measurable environmental gains translate into tangible business benefits: lower fuel costs, reduced maintenance, and enhanced brand reputation among eco‑conscious consumers. As more retailers demand greener supply chains, electric fleets become a competitive differentiator. The Vienna rollout suggests that, with proper planning and strategic partnerships, full electrification of urban freight is not only feasible but also economically advantageous, signaling a shift toward broader adoption across European markets.