.png)
Interview with Marcel Dacaret Román from GLS
%20(1).png)
Inside GLS: How Smart Energy Management Is Powering a Greener Last Mile. In this exclusive interview, Marcel Dacaret Román, Energy Manager at GLS Germany, shares his journey from Guatemala to leading energy innovation at one of Europe's largest logistics providers. He discusses the challenges and opportunities of electrifying GLS's vast fleet, the company's growing use of renewable energy, and why smart charging and bidirectional technologies are key to the future of sustainable logistics.
What is your background and how did you get involved in fleet electrification and energy management at GLS?
I graduated as an industrial engineer in Guatemala and started my career in the solar energy industry while still studying. Wanting to expand my expertise, I moved to Germany to pursue a Master's degree in energy. A few years after completing my studies, I joined GLS Germany, where I founded and now lead the energy management department. My role as Energy Manager involves driving energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives across our network, overseeing energy controlling, and implementing energy-saving measures at around 70 GLS locations across Germany. I am also responsible for the installation of photovoltaic systems at our depots, managing the transition to more efficient heating systems, and working closely with our sustainability department to support the fleet electrification process.
Can you provide an overview of GLS's fleet and energy infrastructure?
Currently, about 23 percent of our fleet consists of low- or zero-emission vehicles. That means we have more than 1,400 electric vehicles operating in over 300 German cities every day, and by the end of March 2025, we expect to grow that number to around 1,600. Our fleet is primarily composed of last-mile delivery vans and e-bikes, with a growing number of e-trucks and some vehicles using alternative fuels such as hydrogen and LNG. Charging infrastructure is an essential part of this transition: we have charging stations at all of our depots, primarily 11kW AC and DC fast chargers ranging from 50kW to 100kW. Most of our charging takes place overnight at our own facilities. To further integrate renewable energy, we have installed photovoltaic systems at several depots and purchase 100 percent green electricity through certificates of origin.
What are the biggest challenges in transitioning to an electric fleet?
One of the biggest challenges is changing the mindset of employees, stakeholders, and transport partners. Many are used to traditional vehicles and may be hesitant to embrace new technologies, so we focus heavily on education and training. Another challenge is ensuring efficient nighttime charging: we've implemented smart charging systems that optimize charging schedules to ensure vehicles are fully charged when needed while keeping energy costs in check. The locations of our depots also present a challenge, as many are situated in areas with limited public transport access. A significant technical challenge is transformer capacity: many of our depots don't have the electrical infrastructure required to support the increased energy demand from EV charging, so we're investing in upgrades and exploring additional renewable energy sources.
Does GLS have a roadmap to achieving a fully electric fleet?
Yes, GLS has a clear roadmap for fleet electrification. Our target is to achieve 75 percent e-mobility for last-mile deliveries by 2030 and 100 percent for company and pool vehicles by the same year. Our long-term goal extends beyond just last-mile electrification: by 2045, we aim to completely reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, which requires a full transformation of our fleet, including long-haul transport. Compared to other GLS teams across Europe, Germany is among the frontrunners in fleet electrification, particularly in terms of last-mile vehicle deployment.
What are your thoughts on dynamic tariffs, smart charging, and bidirectional charging?
At GLS, we have not yet implemented dynamic tariffs or smart charging on a fixed daily basis, but we have carried out multiple pilot projects to test these technologies. Dynamic tariffs present a great opportunity to reduce operational costs by leveraging lower energy prices during off-peak hours. Bidirectional charging, also known as vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, would allow our electric vehicles not just to consume energy but also to feed it back into the grid when needed, which can help stabilize the energy system during peak demand and even create revenue opportunities. Ultimately, intelligent energy management is crucial for the future of logistics.
What tools does GLS use to manage its EV fleet?
We use advanced charging management systems that collect and analyze data on energy consumption, charging duration, and costs. This allows us to optimize charging schedules and ensure efficient use of energy resources. One of the most successful aspects of our approach is our ability to make data-driven decisions: by monitoring real-time energy usage, we can adjust our operations to reduce costs and improve efficiency. We are also focusing on training our drivers to improve their awareness of energy-efficient driving techniques.
Closing Thoughts
GLS is fully committed to scaling up its e-mobility strategy while tackling challenges related to infrastructure, energy supply, and operational integration. Through smart charging, fleet expansion, and renewable energy adoption, we are setting a new standard for sustainable logistics. The transformation is well underway, and by working collaboratively with partners, policymakers, and technology providers, we can accelerate the transition towards a fully sustainable fleet.