Coca-Cola HBC Hungary enhances its logistics system with alternative fuel vehicles

Coca-Cola HBC Hungary is working on the implementation of modern logistics solutions that not only improve operational efficiency but also help reduce environmental impact. This effort forms part of the company’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions across its entire value chain by 2040. Through the continuous development of its vehicle fleet, the company is exploring and applying the potential of various alternative fuel technologies within a complex, nationwide distribution network.

In recent years, Coca-Cola HBC Hungary has taken conscious steps to ensure that sustainable technologies play an increasingly important role in its logistics operations. By modernising its vehicle fleet and gradually integrating alternative fuel transport solutions, the company aims to reduce environmental impact while maintaining efficiency and preserving the operational reliability of a large-scale, complex system.

The nationwide distribution network, built around two domestic production plants – Dunaharaszti and Zalaszentgrót – and eight logistics centres, was previously served entirely by a diesel-powered vehicle fleet. In recent years, alternative fuel vehicles have been gradually integrated into this system: alongside the LNG-powered and electric trucks operated by transport partners, electric trucks and vans have also been added to the company’s own fleet.

This development is particularly significant because Coca-Cola HBC Hungary’s logistics operations simultaneously serve short- and long-distance transportation needs, customer orders, inter-depot goods transfers and urban distribution. Thanks to their range of 850–900 kilometres, LNG-powered trucks are primarily used for depot-to-depot transport and long-distance customer deliveries, while electric trucks with a range of approximately 300 kilometres play an important role in distribution tasks in Budapest and the surrounding areas. Based on experience to date, alternative fuel vehicles can be integrated into the system reliably: their operation does not require higher expenditure, and their failure rates do not differ significantly from those of conventional vehicles. In the long term, the initiative forms part of a phased development roadmap supporting gradual transition, through which the company is expanding its low-emission fleet and further strengthening its sustainable logistics operations based on practical experience.

At present, the green vehicle fleet supporting logistics operations includes three LNG-powered and three electric trucks operated by transport partners, while the company’s own fleet comprises two electric trucks and six electric vans supporting daily operations. The company continuously monitors vehicle mileage and estimates the emission reductions achieved using alternative fuel technologies compared to diesel vehicles. Between 2023 and 2025, alternative fuel vehicles used in Coca-Cola HBC Hungary’s logistics system covered nearly 943,000 kilometres, resulting in CO₂ savings of more than 335 tonnes.

Data and practical experience gathered during operation – from consumption and route optimisation to the use of charging infrastructure – also support the planning of future developments.

As part of the greening of the Coca-Cola HBC fleet, the company will replace all gas-powered forklifts with electric forklifts at its Dunaharaszti site in 2026, and since last year its passenger car fleet has consisted exclusively of electric and hybrid vehicles.

The company’s goal is to build on the experience gained and continuous developments in order to remain at the forefront of the adoption of low-emission logistics solutions in Hungary over the long term.