Wibax and Smurfit Westrock join forces to enable fossil-fuel free logistics between the two companies.
A fixed charging station at Smurfit Westrock Piteå means that a large number of Wibax' transports to and from the facility can be made with an electric vehicle.
While awaiting more electric vehicles, Wibax is fully focused on the charging infrastructure needed to achieve its goal of a 100 percent fossil-free vehicle fleet by 2030, powered entirely by self-produced electricity.
In addition to installing highly powerful fixed charging stations at all Wibax depots, both mobile and fixed charging stations are being placed at customer locations. In mid-December, it was time for another installation – this time on the factory premises at Smurfit Westrock Piteå.
“The charger is now installed, tested, and ready for use. We are very pleased to have established this partnership with Smurfit Westrock. Together, we can create change,” says Magnus Wikman, CEO of Wibax Energy, whose role is to provide charging infrastructure for Wibax’ electric trucks and to produce and supply the group with electricity from renewable energy sources.
The fixed charging station at Smurfit Westrock Piteå allows Wibax drivers to charge their trucks while they are stationary, unloading liquid chemicals into the paper mill’s tanks. Wibax can also make the charger available to Smurfit Westrock and their other suppliers as needed.
“It is natural for us to contribute to enabling sustainable transport. Additionally, our industrial work environment improves with lower emissions of harmful particles and a significantly better soundscape,” says Ulf Aili, CEO of Smurfit Westrock Piteå.
The collaboration involves Smurfit Westrock Piteå providing a location and power supply for the charging station. In turn, Wibax has procured, installed, and is responsible for operating, maintaining, and monitoring the charging station.
“Collaboration with our customers is crucial for making fossil-free transport a reality. At the same time, we are heavily investing in expanding the charging infrastructure at our own terminals,” says Magnus Wikman.
Another exciting development is that Wibax is exploring an additional flexible charging system to complement the mobile battery/charging container WiCharge.
“We will be sharing more details in due course. There’s a lot of exciting progress right now, and we are happy to take the lead,” he adds.
For some time, Wibax has been part of the national REEL initiative, where leading Swedish stakeholders have joined forces to accelerate the transition to electrified, emissions-free heavy transport. REEL is funded by Vinnova, the Swedish Energy Agency, and the Swedish Transport Administration.
Co-financed by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency through the “Klimatklivet” initiative.
