Since the beginning of June, the electric truck of the Hugelshofer logistics group based in Thurgau has been carrying parcels from Frauenfeld to St. Gallen, Gossau and Schaffhausen during the night.
The transport company Hugelshofer from eastern Switzerland has rebuilt the articulated lorry together with MAN Truck & Bus and another company in order to gain experience in the field of alternative drive concepts. E-mobility has a high priority for Swiss Post. For example, Post has been delivering parcels using eleven new e-vans since recently – and the fleet is being further expanded.
In addition, Swiss Post is considered a reliable partner for external logistics service providers. And Hugelshofer relies on the use of the e-truck. Only a high capacity utilisation of the vehicle can enable Managing Director Martin Lörtscher to give electromobility a chance in the hard-fought transport sector.
“The e-semitrailer is a good thing,” says Thomas Ernst, Head of National Transportation and Procurement at PostLogistics. The more electric lorries used, the more it will have a positive effect on public perception and on the environment. As for the latter, the calculated numbers speak for themselves.
In annual operation, the e-truck saves 70 tonnes of CO2 per 60,000 kilometers, as well as 17,700 liters of fuel and CHF 70,000 in performance-related heavy vehicle charges, as these are currently not applicable to electric trucks. Only disatvantage: it is far from being a worthwhile business, admits Martin Lörtscher. “The cost of purchasing is simply too high.” But the project has potential.
The e-truck for technology fans:
Model: MAN TGX 4 × 2 LLS with XLX cab
Power e-motor: 350 kW (475 hp)
Torque: 3400 Nm
Battery: Made of lithium, iron, phosphate, 270 kWh total capacity
Charging time: 45 minutes with DC fast charging, 5-6 hours with CEE industrial socket
Range: Depending on topography 150 to 200 km without intermediate charge
