Questions for Planzer Leasing

In short, anything to do with vehicles. This includes traditional vehicle and forklift procurement, i.e. purchasing. It also includes the procurement and organisation of fuel and charging stations for our electric fleet. In addition, we are responsible for all aspects of handling during the use of the vehicles, right through to their sale.

Expectations have risen. Our customers want to know more and more details about what we are doing to promote sustainable transport. The importance and attention given to this topic are undoubtedly growing. This is due not least to societal developments and increasing political significance, along with the accompanying regulations and requirements for our customers.

The number of enquiries has increased. We are also seeing dynamism in terms of quality and attention to detail. In the beginning, we took a cautious approach. The aim was to find out what solutions were actually available on the market and what made sense to use. Over time, the enquiries have become much more specific and detailed. Our clients and employees have dealt intensively with this topic. Consequently, today’s enquiries focus much more on charging options, range and costs.

The adjustment of the heavy goods vehicle charge, or HGVC for short, is something we will continue to focus on. It is not yet absolutely clear how and when the new charges will apply. But they’re coming, that’s for sure, which means we need to think about procurement today. That is, about how and when we will replace the current vehicles, and what to replace them with. Further developments in engine technologies, the move towards the Euro VII standard, and new and stricter safety regulations present further challenges.

Clear and transparent communication with the branches is crucial here. When making a purchase, it is important to look beyond the vehicle itself and to highlight and consider the fact that sustainable technologies – especially electric drives – always involve higher overall investments, for instance in charging infrastructure. ‘Green’ low-emission transport is in demand and offers added value. Initially, however, it can also be costly. We need to be able to communicate these aspects to our customers in a transparent and realistic manner.

In my opinion, electric truck manufacturers have made enormous strides in the last two years. They no longer offer test vehicles, but fully operational models. Ranges in particular are increasing all the time, which is crucial when it comes to vehicle use. Current vehicles manage around 500 km. A few years ago, the figure was just over half that. Delivery times for new models have also stabilised at a good level. A tractor unit can be delivered within about four or five months. So there has been positive development in a lot of things.

The biggest challenge lies in charging infrastructure – particularly with regard to grid capacity, cables and building facilities. At the same time, as the number of electric vehicles increases, the efficient use of charging stations is gaining in importance. Even now, these are often occupied by vehicles that no longer need to charge or are already fully charged. As there will not be a separate charging station for every vehicle in the future, proactive planning and coordinated charging times will be necessary.

We have already implemented a number of e-mobility projects. Being a first or early mover also has its disadvantages. The vehicles’ ranges are constantly increasing and procurement costs have fallen significantly compared to the early days. Older vehicles are therefore generally more expensive and have shorter ranges. On the other hand, I see us as a first mover when it comes to using hydrotreated vegetable oils, HVO for short, as fuel. We were the first transport company in Switzerland to use this product. We have had very positive experiences with it and will continue to expand its use in the future.

Politically, there is a strong focus on electrification today. However, a lot will change over the next few years. Synthetic fuels or hydrogen, for example, could become a bigger topic. For Planzer, HVO will continue to play an important role. We are taking an approach of technological openness and don’t want to close ourselves off. Instead, we remain open to a wide range of alternative drive technologies and ways of producing fuels.

The HGVC will certainly remain a key issue in the future. Even if the charges are adjusted, it will not be possible to switch all vehicles to Euro VII immediately. Euro VI will remain in use for some time to come. Electricity prices are also likely to rise, which will impact the operating costs of our electric trucks. At present, certain technologies are still subsidised or enjoy tax relief. In the long term, these benefits will also be phased out. At the same time, increased CO₂ levies and other state taxes are making the use of alternative technologies even more worthwhile.