In a groundbreaking display of operational efficiency, a Renault Trucks E-Tech T—with a nominal range of 300 km—covered over 1,000 km in a single day. Swiss logistics expert Hugelshofer Logistics is demonstrating that electric truck performance depends not just on battery capacity, but on a comprehensive operational strategy.
Martin Lörtscher, CEO of Hugelshofer Logistics AG, stated: “The critical question is not the truck’s maximum range, but how it is integrated into transport operations. By adapting our routes and charging strategy, we maximize the daily uptime of our electric trucks, turning them into true industrial assets perfectly tailored to our activities.”
A Logistics System Designed for Maximum Utilization
Hugelshofer operates a fleet of 220 trucks, 80 of which are fully electric. To optimize the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), the company utilizes its Renault Trucks E-Tech T vehicles with double-shift drivers.
- Operational Strategy: Drivers perform opportunity charging during mandatory rest breaks, while full charging takes place overnight at the depot.
- Result: Each electric truck, despite its 300 km nominal range, typically covers over 600 km in a standard working day.
- Record Performance: On a record-breaking day, one Renault Trucks E-Tech T in the fleet traveled 1,007 km within 24 hours, proving that intensive use is possible with a clear mission profile and charging strategy.
Optimized Infrastructure: The Power of 480 kW
The performance of Hugelshofer’s fleet relies on a high-tech charging infrastructure at their Frauenfeld facility:
- Capacity: 30 fast-charging stations with a maximum power of 480 kW.
- Sustainability: Supported by a photovoltaic system producing 1.2 million kWh of solar energy annually.
- Control: 95% of all charging is performed directly at the depot, ensuring cost control and operational reliability.
The Swiss Model: A Benchmark for Decarbonization
Hugelshofer reports that its electric trucks achieve 30% lower operating costs compared to diesel equivalents. This is supported by Switzerland’s favorable ecosystem for heavy-duty vehicle electrification:
- Financial Incentives: Zero-emission trucks benefit from exemptions under the LSVA road user charge, making them economically competitive with internal combustion vehicles.
- Investment: The Swiss Confederation has announced a 20 million CHF investment program for 2026–2030 to expand charging infrastructure.
- Adoption Rates: In the first 11 months of 2025, the electrification rate for vehicles over 16 tons in Switzerland reached 14.7%—nearly eight times the European average of 1.9%.
