Recorded at the historic Berlin campus of technology and engineering giant Siemens, this week’s episode explores why Europe’s logistics industry is rapidly accelerating towards electrification – driven not only by decarbonization goals, but increasingly by energy security, operational resilience, and cost control.
We’re joined by Marcel Rümenapf, Head of Sales for eMobility Europe at Siemens, to unpack how rising fossil fuel prices, dynamic electricity markets, and improving EV technology are transforming fleet economics for businesses across Europe. The conversation explores why logistics operators are now viewing electrification as a strategic advantage, particularly as electricity offers opportunities for smart charging, on-site solar integration, and far greater control over energy costs when compared with fossil fuels like diesel.
A major focus of the discussion is how the complexity of large-scale fleet charging can be overcome. Marcel explains the ways in which smart charging software is becoming essential for managing depots with hundreds of electric buses or trucks that are balancing grid constraints, fast-changing wholesale electricity price dynamics, charging schedules, and operational requirements in real time.
The episode also explores the increasingly important role of stationary battery storage at logistics hubs, both for supporting charging infrastructure and in auxiliary applications such as the participation in electricity balancing markets.
We also discuss the future of electric trucks versus hydrogen, why fleet operators are beginning with phased pilot projects before scaling, and how electrification could even help logistics companies attract drivers by improving the driving experience itself.
About The smarter E Podcast
The smarter E podcast is all about the current trends and developments in a renewable, decentralized and digital energy industry. Our host welcomes and interviews personalities who shape our industry and drive developments forward. A new episode is published bi-weekly on Thursdays.
Marcel Rümenapf is the head of sales Europe for eMobility at Siemens Smart Infrastructure. Previously, he held various management positions with regional sales responsibilities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Marcel Rümenapf brings together expertise in the fields of energy, the environment, and mobility.