With the purchase of two Volvo FH Electric tractors, we are accelerating the route to a climate neutral operation. Our goal is to achieve this by 2050. BAS Truck Center has already delivered the first electric truck and the second will follow in June 2023. As a specialist in pharmaceutical transport, we are leading the way in improving our CO2 performance. Marijn Geurts, Director of Transport, and Charles Hermens, Fleet Manager, talk about VTS’ ambition and first experiences with the Volvo FH Electric truck.
Specialist in pharmaceutical transport
VTS Transport & Logistics has been in business for over 40 years. Previously as an international transport company, today as a full service logistics provider focused on the pharmaceutical industry. Marijn: “Our family business is based in Boxmeer. We have two crossdocks, one in Boxmeer and one in Brussels. We offer our customers the full logistics package. Such as international transport with a European-wide network and last mile transport in the Benelux. We also offer warehousing solutions with all associated services. Fully temperature controlled and specifically aimed at manufacturers, wholesalers and traders in the pharmaceutical industry.”
Making sustainable goals achievable
That VTS has sustainable goals is clear. As an organization, we don’t just want to talk about being climate neutral and zero emission, we actually take action. Charles: “If you don’t take the step, nothing is ever going to change. It’s as simple as that. With the purchase of these two Volvo FH Electric trucks, we are getting further acquainted with electric driving. We are embracing new techniques, that is what we stand for as an organization and also fits in with the vision.” Marijn: “In a previous phase we made our warehouses more sustainable, now it’s our fleet’s turn. Earlier we invested in electric refrigerated trailers, now in two electric tractors. And at the same time also in our own charging point, a heavy installation where we can fast charge two FH Electric tractors simultaneously. In addition, we are also in talks for an electric box truck.”
Volvo FH Electric: high range and high comfort
First of all, we want to gain experience in electric driving. Marijn: “How will the trucks prove themselves in practice? What hick-ups will we encounter? And how can we optimize the planning so that we can drive the maximum number of kilometers? For example, our planner must always take into account that the truck needs to be recharged after 250 to 300 kilometers. In this pilot phase, we are testing the limits of the FH Electric so that we can use the trucks in the best possible way. This will help in our further rollout of electric vehicles.” Charles: “Although the drivers were skeptical beforehand, after a few trips with the Volvo FH Electric they are all enthusiastic. They experience a fine driving comfort and praise the silence in the cabin and acceleration. The FH Electric offers a premium driving experience.”
We are already getting enthusiastic responses from customers. Marijn: “Sustainability is also high on the agenda with our customers. The fact that we are actually working on reducing our CO2 emissions appeals to them. As a result, we drive with confidence towards a sustainable future.”
Source: BAS Truck Center