A new study from the Fraunhofer ISI, supported by Einride and based on more than 38,000 deliveries for grocery chain REWE, has found that optimized deployment of electric trucks can significantly increase efficiency and reduce operating costs. 
A simple vehicle replacement achieves only about 57% of the original payload and 32% of total mileage, while a smart, software-driven approach can raise that to 85% of payload and 54% of mileage. 

In financial terms, optimized planning can reduce operating costs by around 8%, compared to just 3% with a basic vehicle swap. The study concludes that logistics companies will need new software tools and digital skillsets to manage mixed fleets efficiently—avoiding unnecessary investments in fleet size or battery capacity. 

Sono Motors is now operating under a new name: SonoSolar. With this rebrand comes a full strategic shift. The company has officially ended all development on its once-hyped solar car, the Sion, and will now focus exclusively on licensing its solar technology for buses, trucks, and commercial vehicles. 

Since February 2023, Sono has committed to a B2B approach—both contractually and financially—and now works with more than 23 international partners. These include MAN, subsidiaries of Volkswagen, French refrigerated transport company CHEREAU, and others. 

EnBW is ramping up its efforts in residential EV charging with its immo+ division. In partnership with ChargeHere, EnBW aims to streamline the installation and management of charging infrastructure in multi-unit residential buildings. 

ChargeHere will handle the full-service offering—from installation and permitting to ongoing operations. The goal: to reduce complexity, cut approval wait times, and provide more accessible, cost-effective charging for tenants. The offering includes wallboxes with a minimum output of 11 kW, smart load management, and centralized control via a dedicated platform. 

Linde Material Handling (MH) has launched seven new electric forklift models under the name X Roadster, each with load capacities of up to 2 tons and available in either three- or four-wheel versions. 

The standout feature? A driver overhead guard without front A-pillars, offering significantly improved all-around visibility. This design is made possible by relocating the tilt cylinders above the cab. The result is a compact build and open lines of sight in all directions—including front, side, and overhead. Additional visibility improvements include a lowered front panel for better view of the forks and slim B-pillars for improved rear visibility.