Audi begins delivery of battery modules by train instead of trucks

Audi has announced that it has started to deliver their battery modules by train. The battery components of the Ingolstadt-based firm are usually transported from its supplier in Hungary to its plant in Brussels by truck. Its decision to move the battery modules by rail now allows the automobile maker to radically reduce the environmentally harmful carbon emissions from the said process. 

“Brussels plays a pioneering role, but we developed this sustainable logistics concept for battery modules and cells in Audi’s entire production network,” said Audi Supply Chain Head Dieter Braun.

Moving the battery components require trucks to travel approximately 1,300 kilometers from Hungary to Brussels. Audi reveals that around 12 to 15 fully loaded trucks set off across Europe every day. This switch will help the company slash the caravan’s subsequent carbon emissions by 2,600 tons annually.

Whenever possible, Audi will use DB Cargo’s DBeco plus service. The service uses power exclusively from renewable sources such as wind, water, or solar energy, making transport carbon-free.

DB Cargo is a long-standing project partner of Audi.

“Our site has already been net carbon neutral since 2018. Therefore, we’re also working to make the supply chain sustainable in order to contribute to environmental protection at all levels,” explained Audi Brussels Chairman of the Board of Management Volker Germann.

To move the battery modules, Audi brings them from the Hungary facility to DB Cargo’s logistics center in Győr by truck. The modules are then loaded into rail cars where they will sit during the 1,000-kilometer ride from Győr to Brussels.

The logistics center in Győr is weather-protected and features a lightweight hall. Audi said that an additional expansion is already being planned. In order to meet the high quality and safety requirements for battery modules and cells, the Audi Supply Chain team uses a digital information platform and special sensor technology to monitor the temperature and any shocks in the rail cars.

The switch to move battery modules from Hungary to Brussels was started in May and is scheduled to be completed by the beginning of 2023.

Photos from Audi

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