From November 25th to 26th, 2025, the EHI Climate and Energy Congress took place in Düsseldorf – one of the most important events for sustainability and energy efficiency in retail. The congress brought together decision-makers from retail, energy suppliers, and technology providers to discuss strategies for decarbonization and energy optimization.
Transport Sector as Central Challenge
As a representative from IKEA confirmed, many emissions come from the transport sector. For retail companies, electrifying their fleets is therefore of central importance, as they are at an interface in the supply chain that affects goods transport. Many companies also operate their own vehicle fleets.
The discussions made it clear that the transition is mandatory: EU directives such as the Clean Vehicle Directive, implemented in various national laws, require that by 2030 or 2035, 90% of all newly acquired vehicles must have alternative drives. The trend is strongly toward electric. Compliance is of central importance alongside operating costs.
Challenges in Fleet Electrification
The discussions revealed that the transition to an electric fleet brings a paradigm shift. Punctuality and reliability remain the top priority – even in e-operations. To achieve the known operational robustness of conventionally powered vehicles also with electric vehicles, intelligent solutions and transparency in energy management are needed.
Particularly the challenges in planning were the focus: The diversity of grid connection options and tariffs requires early simulation of the future fleet and consumption. As emphasized at the expert dialogue of the Federal Ministry of Transport, companies should approach grid operators as early as possible (see also our article on the
BMV Expert Dialogue at Spedition Duwensee). Since rules change, funding comes or goes, and parameters such as electricity tax can change, TCO calculations must be continuously updated.
Fenexity Presents Solution Approaches
Fenexity was on site and presented solution approaches for electrifying transport fleets in the retail sector. In a presentation, it was shown how intelligent energy management systems can help retail companies save up to 40% of their electricity costs for the electric fleet. The presentation demonstrated that electrification is not just a compliance requirement but also offers significant economic benefits.
The conversations with representatives from leading retail companies showed great interest in practical solutions for the sustainable transformation of logistics fleets. Particularly the possibility of reducing costs while improving the CO₂ footprint through intelligent energy management received positive feedback.
Fenexity looks forward to advancing the energy transition together with partners from the retail sector and developing innovative solutions for sustainable mobility.
