Powering ahead with our commitment to deploy electric trucks: How our Associate Milan Scherzinger is driving change
Imagine if all those trucks you see on the road started running on electricity instead of diesel-powered engines. Making that switch can drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help make our planet greener.
We’ve imagined it in Europe and have started to make it happen - embracing the electrification of 300 trucks by 2030.
If we did nothing, road freight by trucks would be the biggest contributor to our global carbon emissions by 2050. To deliver products with the smallest possible carbon footprint, we're looking at electric trucks and alternative fuels. This means our future transport will be cleaner. Across Europe we estimate this will save 20,000 metric tons of CO2e each year by 2030, which is a 10% reduction in Mars Europe’s Road transport GHG emissions annually.
And globally, by the end of 2023, through all of our GHG reduction efforts across Mars, we have reduced absolute GHG emissions by 16% across our value chain since 2015 while growing our business more than 60%.
Our Sustainable in a Generation Plan focuses on helping shape a future with a healthier planet, thriving people and pets and a more inclusive society. In the world we want tomorrow, the planet is healthy, which is why we have a goal to cut carbon emissions by half by 2030 and be Net Zero by 2050. Our focus on deploying electric trucks is one of the ways we’re helping achieve our goals.
Now, meet Milan Scherzinger, one of our Associates and key player in our supply chain organization in Europe.
In this Q&A, we dive into his story, his work electrifying fleets, his motivations and how his work supports our overall journey toward net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Q: Milan, how did you get your start in sustainability?
Milan: Sustainability is a top priority at Mars, and that resonates with my personal passion for it. I'm a huge fan of surfing, and spending time in the ocean has made me acutely aware of the environmental issues we face.
Q: What are some of the fleet electrification goals you’re working toward at Mars?
Milan: One of our key levers in logistics is converting our trucks from diesel to electric to reduce emissions. Our target is to have at least 300 electric trucks on the road by 2030 in Europe. This will save a significant portion of our logistics emissions.
Q: What challenges have you faced in implementing fleet electrification?
Milan: The operations of electric trucks are different from what we're used to.
Seeing our branded electric truck on the road or at the factory makes me proud.
We need to incorporate charging times into our logistics flows and manage the limited distances these trucks can cover compared to diesel trucks. It's a necessary step, but it requires us to be innovative and proactive.
Q: What kinds of things are you hearing about the trucks from drivers and partners?
Milan: After starting our first pilot in Germany, we received positive feedback from a driver who mentioned that the electric truck was much calmer and more relaxing to drive due to the absence of conventional engine noise. This improves driver well-being, which is an important benefit.
Q: What makes you proud of the work you're doing with fleet electrification?
Milan: Seeing our branded electric truck on the road or at the factory makes me proud. Overcoming challenges to make this happen through teamwork and collaboration has been incredibly rewarding.
Q: What are your hopes for the future of electric vehicles in logistics?
Milan: My hope is that companies become bolder in their sustainability decisions. We need to take risks and make bets on innovative solutions. While it may not seem perfectly attractive through today's lens, the future will show the positive impact of these decisions.
Q: How does working at Mars align with your personal values?
Milan: It's important to me that my employer’s values resonate with my personal values. Being part of a family-owned company like Mars, which places sustainability at the top of its agenda, feels good. Seeing my colleagues live by these values every day is inspiring.
Milan's commitment and leadership in our sustainability efforts highlight our dedication to a healthier planet. By integrating sustainability into our operations and inspiring others, we’re working to make significant strides toward our net zero targets.
