It’s important to do something and not only speak about it

“Our customers would like us to deliver to them using less C02,” says Reto Schwab, CEO of Schwab-Guillod. “They may not want to pay more, but it’s important to do it correctly for the environment.”

From cucumbers to carrots, lettuce to lemons, logistics company Schwab-Guillod AG processes and transports around 350 tonnes of fresh fruit and vegetables six days a week. 

So being able to transport its produce in harmony with nature seemed like the right thing to do.

That’s why the company now runs a fleet of six Volvo electric trucks. It purchased its final diesel truck last year – and by 2030 its aim is for its truck fleet to be completely with alternative drive types.

“We spoke a long time about the change,” says Reto. “And I think now is the time to do it for the environment. It’s important to do something and not only speak about it.”

Delivering to food suppliers and restaurants in the city, the peacefulness of a Volvo electric truck is a benefit Reto has really come to appreciate.

“For us, it’s very important that the truck is quiet because we are delivering in the night-time,” he says.

His drivers are really relishing the trucks, too. “First the drivers were a bit reserved,” he says “but after one or two tours, they are really happy to drive the electric trucks”

Delivering perishable fruit and vegetables comes with its own added pressure. Freshness is key and an important part of their logistics planning. “The electric trucks work very well in our daily business, and we don’t have any problems,” adds Reto. “They’re nearly perfect.”

With solar panels installed at the factory, Schwab’s electricity supply for their trucks’ chargers is C02 neutral and it has a charger for everyone.

Did he make the right decision to make the move to an electric truck fleet? Reto is emphatic: “Now is the time to change. I think it’s the moment for other factories to start with electric mobility.”