Over 1,000 km driven in one day using a Renault Trucks E-Tech T with a nominal range of 300 km. The example of Swiss haulier Hugelshofer Logistik shows that electric truck performance relies on an overall operational strategy rather than battery capacity alone.
“The key question is not the truck’s maximum range but how it is integrated into transport operations. By adjusting our routes and charging strategy, we’re able to maximise the daily operating time of our electric trucks so they become true industrial assets, perfectly adapted to our activities,” explains Martin Lörtscher, CEO of Hugelshofer Logistik AG.
• A logistics set-up designed to maximise electric truck use
Hugelshofer operates a fleet of 220 trucks, including 80 electric vehicles. A total of 150 drivers at the company use electric HGVs on a daily basis.
To maximise the operating time of its electric trucks and therefore optimise total cost of ownership (TCO), Swiss haulier Hugelshofer Logistik runs its Renault Trucks E-Tech T vehicles with double crews. Drivers carry out intermediate charging during their mandatory rest breaks, with a full recharge conducted overnight at the depot. Thanks to this approach, each electric truck can travel over 600 km on a typical operating day, despite a nominal range of 300 km.
On a record day, one of the Renault Trucks E-Tech T vehicles in the Swiss operator’s fleet even covered 1,007 km in 24 hours. This performance demonstrates that intensive use is entirely feasible when the mission, operating area and charging strategy are clearly defined. It also highlights the importance of correctly sizing battery capacity – depending on usage, opting for the maximum available capacity is not always required, as it can be tailored to maintain payload and efficiency. This is why Renault Trucks works closely with its customers to define the most suitable configuration, according to their constraints and real operational needs. (....)