Move2Green: Electrification beyond machines

Broadening the perspective of electrification

Logistics accounts for roughly seven percent of global emissions. Because of this, customers are actively seeking to reduce their emissions by transitioning from diesel to electric machines. However, electrification involves more than just the machine. This presents a significant opportunity for Kalmar.

“We already offer a wide range of fully electric machines and continue to expand our portfolio. However, electrification involves more than just the machine; it also requires managing the entire terminal energy, such as charging services and battery lifecycle optimisation solutions. Through Move2Green, we can accelerate this development and collaborate with ecosystem partners to make electric operations viable, scalable, and sustainable," says Jukka Borgman, Kalmar’s Director, Technology and Research.

Beyond the electric machine: from battery technologies and charging to energy storage solutions 

When transitioning to an electric fleet, charging must be fast to minimise machine downtime. The shift also requires the electrical grid to be sufficient to support the new electric ecosystem, making various energy storage solutions critical.

“Within Move2Green, we are researching ultra-fast charging and technologies that allow charging while the machine is in operation. We are well-positioned to move forward, having already taken significant steps. We are testing the power of dynamic charging with Elonroad (read more), and joining forces with Kempower and SINEXCEL with the launch of a comprehensive new range of DC charging solutions (read more)”, says Mikko Nurmela, Senior Development Manager, Kalmar.

Battery technology is another key area in electrification. The goal is to store more energy, ideally the equivalent of a tankful of diesel, refill as fast as diesel, and ensure the battery lasts through as many charging cycles as possible without wearing out. Alternatively, the goal is to manage the charging of a smaller onboard battery in an intelligent way to reach the same productivity as with diesel powered machines. And all this at a comparable cost.

“We have nearly 15 years of experience in the lithium-ion battery field, which gives us a solid foundation to build upon. Battery technologies are developing continuously, and simultaneously, we need to address new regulations. For instance, the EU Battery Regulation is setting stricter rules for recycling, which means we must be prepared to take back used batteries and decide what to do with them: reuse or recycle,” says Mikko.

“As ports transition toward zero-emission operations, managing the terminal’s entire energy system is crucial. Through the Move2Green program, we will research and develop solutions in this area to offer new value to our customers. Currently, we can already help customers make informed decisions before they invest by utilizing for example our simulation tool, the Operation Data-Based Electrification Analysis and Simulation,” says Sami Yli-Äyhö, Senior Manager, Product Management, Horizontal Transportation, Kalmar.

Alternative fuels are another focus area within Move2Green. Because some of our equipment may still use combustion engines in the future, we must ensure those fuels create the lowest possible emissions. Today, our machines can already use HVO biodiesel, and we are continuing to research methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen engines in the shipping sector. 

The path to the future is in collaboration 

“Collaboration with our ecosystem is one of Move2Green’s greatest strengths. The idea is to involve ecosystem partners in innovation. This way, more people can focus on the same goals, results come faster, and we can gain valuable new viewpoints from outside our organisation,” says Jukka Borgman.

“We are actively exploring opportunities and discussing with many potential partners how to move beyond the machine. Electrification is no longer just about the machines, it's about the wider ecosystem in which we need to consider all the options and opportunities, whether they relate to new technologies or energy sources. The market is developing very fast, and Move2Green gives us good tools to respond to it," concludes Mikko Nurmela. 

Move2Green in brief

Move2Green is Kalmar’s strategic five-year R&D program and ecosystem launched in spring 2025. Co-funded by Business Finland’s Leading Company Challenge (Veturi), Move2Green’s bold vision is to enable customers’ net-zero logistics chains in ports, terminals, and other heavy industrial logistics by 2045. The program's core focus on electrification and data-enabled services is a vital part of Kalmar’s technology strategy. It supports our company-wide goal of reducing Scope 3 CO₂ emissions by 40% from the 2023 baseline by 2030.

To advance this industry-leading initiative, Kalmar will invest €50 million, supplemented by an additional €20 million from Business Finland. On top of that, the Move2Green Ecosystem can receive further €50 million from Business Finland, provided the ecosystem partners invest €50 million of their own. This means the total research and development spending for Move2Green could be over €170 million.

Move2Green drives innovation across three key themes: 

• Electrification and energy storage
• Data-driven services and processes 
• Circularity and responsibility

To realize the ambitious vision, Kalmar is building the Move2Green ecosystem, bringing together around 150 partners, including industrial companies, technology providers, research institutes, and universities. 

 Read more here.