BER Airport strengthens sustainability strategy with FUSO eCanter electric truck in daily waste operations

Ready for takeoff: Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH is operating all-electric eCanter from Daimler Truck brand FUSO

(IN BRIEF) Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH (FBB), operator of BER Airport, has successfully integrated a FUSO eCanter 7.5-ton electric light truck into its daily waste management operations, proving its efficiency and reliability over 18 months of continuous service. With a payload of 2.1 tons, 24.5 cubic metres of cargo space, and a range of up to 140 kilometres, the vehicle operates up to 70 kilometres a day on predictable routes and charges on average every two days. Drivers highlighted comfort and handling as key advantages, while FBB’s waste management head praised its flawless performance and initiated the purchase of a second model. This move aligns with FBB’s broader sustainability programme, which has already cut CO2 emissions by nearly 50 percent compared to 2010. Alongside photovoltaic installations, LED conversions, and extensive recycling efforts for the nearly 3,300 tons of waste produced in 2024, the eCanter is helping BER progress towards its target of achieving carbon-neutral operations by 2045.

(PRESS RELEASE) LEINFELDEN-ECHTERDINGEN/ BERLIN, 25-Sept-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH (FBB), operator of the capital city’s BER Airport, is advancing its sustainability agenda with the successful integration of a FUSO eCanter 7C18e electric light-duty truck into its internal waste and disposal logistics. After a year and a half of daily service, the fully electric truck has proven itself reliable and efficient, underlining the airport’s long-term plan to achieve CO2-neutral operations by 2045.

The 7.5-ton eCanter has been tailored to meet BER’s specific waste transport requirements. With a payload capacity of 2.1 tons and a box body offering 24.5 cubic metres of cargo space, complemented by a tail lift capable of carrying up to one ton, the vehicle provides an optimal fit for the diverse types of waste generated at the airport. FBB also praised its flexible configuration options, making it suitable for a variety of operational needs.

According to Artur Heldt, Head of Waste Management at FBB, the eCanter covers between 60 and 70 kilometres daily on fixed routes while collecting and exchanging containers. Equipped with an M battery pack featuring two batteries and a range of up to 140 kilometres, the truck comfortably meets daily demands and can accommodate longer journeys when needed. On average, it requires charging every two days, usually completed during shift breaks at FBB’s waste management site. With its AC and DC charging capability, it can also connect to any of the roughly 130 charging points available within the airport’s security area.

Drivers were quick to welcome the truck’s design, citing the heated steering wheel, seat, and windshield, as well as the rear-view camera that simplifies manoeuvring. Combined with automatic transmission, compact dimensions, and agile handling, the vehicle delivers a driving experience closer to a passenger car than a truck.

Operating under a rigorous two-shift schedule, seven days a week, the truck has run without interruption since its introduction. “Our eCanter has been in use 365 days a year without a single issue. It shows that electric mobility is reliable and makes a strong contribution to sustainability—you just have to embrace it,” noted Heldt. Convinced by its performance, FBB has already initiated the purchase of a second identical model.

The introduction of the eCanter is one element of BER’s wider commitment to sustainability. In 2024 alone, the airport welcomed 25.5 million passengers, supported by around 20,000 employees, of which approximately 2,000 work directly for FBB. Despite its scale, the operator has already reduced CO2 emissions in its remit by nearly 50 percent since 2010. Additional initiatives include installing photovoltaic systems on suitable surfaces, expanding LED lighting in terminal buildings, and promoting comprehensive waste management strategies.

In 2024, BER generated nearly 3,300 tons of waste. FBB continues to prioritise prevention, strict separation, and recycling measures, ensuring that final disposal remains the last resort. By combining these practices with e-mobility solutions such as the FUSO eCanter, BER is laying a clear path towards sustainable airport operations.

Media Contacts:

Carolin Fritze
Spokesperson Corporate Communications Mercedes-Benz Trucks/Global Topics and FUSO Trucks Europe
carolin.c.fritze​@daimlertruck.com
+49 160 8641354

SOURCE: Daimler Truck AG