Report: Hitachi Vantara truck powers 52% of its electrical energy needs with SolarOnTop
Hitachi Vantara, in partnership with Rhenus Logistics, is leading the way in sustainable long-distance trucking by equipping its rigid trucks with SolarOnTop technology. Here is a new annual performance report showing the impact of SolarOnTop on a Rhenus Logistics rigid truck operated by Hitachi Vantara.
Based on actual operational data collected between September 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024, the report shows that SolarOnTop supplied 52% of the truck’s onboard electrical energy, resulting in:
- • 1.284 liters of diesel saved annually
- • 4.147 kg of CO₂ emissions avoided
- • €2.276 saved per year in fuel and maintenance
- • 817 kWh of solar energy generated
- • HVAC system remained operational during night breaks, improving driver well-being and comfort.
“Using SolarOnTop has shown us many advantages. One of them is that it lowers emissions, because you don’t need the engine to feed energy into the batteries, you get it from the sun. Another very important factor is the well-being of the drivers. Our trucks are quiet during the night, especially in summer, because there is no engine running to generate or feed energy into the truck. And it saves fuel as well, which is a big advantage for us.”
- Maarten de Groot, Director of Sustainability Operations for the global supply chain of Hitachi Vantara.
The Challenges: Comfort, Cost, and CO₂ Emissions
Hitachi Vantara operates Rhenus Logistics rigid trucks across Europe, delivering data storage systems. These vehicles run long distances during the day. At night drivers sleep in the cabin using HVAC and hotel load comfort.
Before the integration of the SolarOnTop technology:
- • HVAC systems would shut down overnight due to battery drain
- • Drivers had to idle the engine to keep the HVAC operational
- • The tail lift powered only by the alternator, increasing fuel consumption
- • High CO₂ emissions due to idling
- • Drivers experienced fatigue, and fuel and maintenance costs increased
“We have invested time in exploring the possibilities of how we can improve transportation by using electric trucks. However, EV trucks for long-distance transport are not possible yet. Therefore, we invested together with Rhenus to install SolarOnTop on our trucks. The SolarOnTop system generates free energy from the sun, which is stored in batteries inside the truck. The energy stored in these batteries is used to activate all kinds of electronic equipment inside the truck.”
- Maarten de Groot, Director of Sustainability Operations for the global supply chain of Hitachi Vantara.
The Solution: SolarOnTop Technology
By installing solar panels atop the Rehnus logistics rigid truck operated by Hitachi, SolarOnTop efficiently converts solar energy into green and cost-free electricity to power all onboard electrical appliances within the truck-trailer combination.
The excess energy generated during the day is stored in SolarOnTop's lithium battery, ready to supply power to the HVAC system and 24V equipement during nighttime, ensuring an uninterrupted power supply.
At the heart of the SolarOnTop technology is an intelligent energy management system that allocates power efficiently to match the vehicle’s needs:
- • Prioritizes HVAC during breaks
- • Supports tail lift operations during loading/unloading
- • Powers auxiliary systems
- • Stores surplus energy for later use
“We are happy to be driving a truck equipped with SolarOnTop, using clean energy. It feels great knowing I’m running on clean energy! Thanks to SolarOnTop, I can now sleep comfortably all night without interruptions. Before, I would wake up because the battery ran out, and the HVAC stopped. Now, I can get a full night’s rest, and it makes a big difference, no more stressing about power or waking up tired.”
- Robert Havelaar, Driver at Hitachi Vantara.
This report offers hard proof, backed by real operational data (not estimates or assumptions) demonstrating the impact of solar energy and SolarOnTop technology in creating a more sustainable and efficient transportation industry.
It solves daily fleet challenges, lowers fuel costs, improves driver conditions, and helps companies meet their decarbonization targets, without disrupting operations.
Hitachi Vantara
Hitachi Vantara is transforming the way data fuels innovation. A wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd., Hitachi Vantara provides the data foundation the world's leading innovators rely on. Through data storage, infrastructure systems, cloud management and digital expertise, the company helps customers build the foundation for sustainable business growth. To learn more, visit www.hitachivantara.com.
Hitachi Vantara has equipped two of its vehicles in Europe with SolarOnTop technology. These trucks are used to transport Vantara’s Storage solution’s to their customers across Europe, taking back return equipment as well.
Rhenus Logistics
The Rhenus Group is one of the leading logistics specialists with global business operations and annual turnover amounting to EUR 8.2 billion. 41,000 employees work at 1,330 business sites in more than 70+ countries and develop innovative solutions along the complete supply chain. Whether providing transport, warehousing, customs clearance or value-added services, the family-owned business pools its operations in various business units where the needs of customers are the major focus at all times.