BMW has announced it will be the first carmaker to use a 40-ton truck powered purely by electric to deliver inbound parts. The carmaker has established a partnership with German logistics provider Scherm Group on a pilot project that will see the electric truck deliver material to the BMW Munich plant eight times a day from Scherm’s logistics facility 2kms away.

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BMW and Scherm are investing a six-figure sum in the one-year pilot project. If the vehicle proves itself in everyday driving conditions, both partners will seek to expand the project, according to BMW.

Scherm is an international systems provider offering technology and services for the logistics, transport, real estate and service sectors.

“Just under two years ago, our BMW i brand put sustainable mobility on the road. This pure electric truck signals that we are constantly working on innovative solutions and tackling logistics challenges,” said Hermann Bohrer, director of BMW Group Plant Munich. “We are therefore delighted with the cooperation with Scherm.”

The truck is licensed for use on public roads and will be deployed from this summer for just-in-time material transport over short distances said BMW in a statement. According to a company the vehicle will generate 11.8 tons less CO2 a year.

“After a long search, we have found an electro-mobility solution for the transport sector,” explained Rainer Zöllner, e-truck project manager at Scherm Group. “We are certain to gain valuable experience with the BMW Group from this pilot project.”

The Munich plant makes the BMW 3 Series, sedan and touring models, as well as the 4 Series coupé. The plant also produces engines, as well as power units for the M series.