Energy from wood transported electrically. Energie Durable on the advantages and disadvantages of their electric pellet transports

27.11.2024 – All truck manufacturers are talking about the future of battery-electric vehicles. But what do those who use them today in everyday operations say? An application example from energy logistics. We spoke to Patrick Schmutz, energy expert and Managing Director of Energie Durable, the specialist for all aspects of wood heating systems, for 11 years. In focus: the development of his company, his experiences to date with Designwerk e-trucks and the future of electromobility.

Designwerk: Can you start by introducing your company and explaining what makes it special?
Patrick Schmutz: Energie Durable is an energy supplier. Our focus is on wood energy. We originally started with woodchips, i.e. supplying heating systems in the private and industrial sectors. In 2009, we then started selling pellets, which are now an important product for us. Pellets have a higher energy density than woodchips and are particularly suitable for smaller buildings, while woodchips tend to be used for larger installations. Energie Durable is part of Groupe Serbeco, which also includes Serbeco SA for recycling and ProP SA for building cleaning. The group is mainly active in Geneva and the surrounding area.

You purchased a MID CAB 10x4R Tridem – a battery-electric 5-axle truck with steered first, second and lift axles – from us in 2024. How did you come up with the idea of purchasing an electric truck and why did you choose Designwerk?
Serbeco had already purchased four e-trucks from Designwerk – that was back in the days of Futuricum (From 2017 to 2022, the e-trucks were operated under the Futuricum brand. Following a rebranding, all product brands were united under the Designwerk brand umbrella. Editor’s note) We believe that electric trucks are the future.

Much earlier than the major truck manufacturers, Designwerk recognized the enormous potential of e-trucks – just as we did in our field. What unites us is our belief in using the right (renewable) energy in the right place.

Designwerk is particularly appealing to us at Energie Durable, as we share the same values. For us, Designwerk is a pioneer in the field of electromobility. Much earlier than the major truck manufacturers, Designwerk recognized the enormous potential of e-trucks – just as we did in our own field. What unites us is the belief in using the right (renewable) energy in the right place. At Serbeco Groupe, we are committed to this idea and are pursuing the goal of being able to offer our products and services carbon dioxide-free by 2032. This refers in particular to Energy Durable, as we are active in the energy sector. This means that we are not allowed to emit any CO2 emissions with our trucks. As far as I know, our Designwerk e-truck is also the first fully electric truck for pellets. This also reflects the pioneering spirit of us and Designwerk.

Please tell us what everyday life is like with your latest e-truck.
The truck has now been in operation for almost a year. So we have actually been able to gather a bit of expertise. Basically, we don’t drive many kilometers because we have a small radius of action. We drive around 150 kilometers a day and make three to four deliveries. To be honest, I was skeptical at first. I thought that the 450 kilowatt-hour battery system wouldn’t be big enough for our purposes. Today I know better. It fits perfectly.

Do you know what the experience was like for the chauffeur? How was the new driving experience?
He was skeptical at first because drivers generally prefer combustion engines. It makes noise, it vibrates – you can feel the engine. It’s a matter of habit. Today, our driver loves the electric motor. They like the fact that there is no noise. The performance and ride comfort are better. After some initial skepticism, it became a real experience. A quiet vehicle is also an advantage for our customers. We make a lot of deliveries in the city and to private households, and that’s where we really notice it. During a delivery, for example, we unload ten tons. That takes about 30 minutes. That means the engine runs for 30 minutes and that can be loud with the diesel engine. Of course, the electric vehicle also makes noise, but much less. That’s an advantage for the driver and the customers, of course. Customers know how we work. They also know that I always come to them on an e-bike. That’s part of our culture

If you could now summarize: Where do you see the potential for the use of e-trucks or, to put it another way, what are your expectations for the future with our truck?
At the moment I’m thinking about battery life. How long do these batteries work with the necessary efficiency? Today I know that the battery stores 450 KW per hour gross. What will it look like in a few years’ time? Will the battery still work? That is a risk. If we had to replace it after just five years, it would be very expensive. To be able to finance the e-truck, the batteries should last at least ten years. That’s still a question mark for me.

We would take the step again. But as a company we have
experiment and will only be able to say in a few years’ time,
whether it was the right decision.

Utopian, but imagine if all transportation were driven by electric vehicles – that would be a dream come true. This would require a social rethink. It doesn’t make sense to order useless or superfluous products online and have them delivered by electric vehicles. Nor does it make sense to travel short distances by car. Even if energy comes from renewable sources, it should be used efficiently and carefully. In this context, additional incentives or even mandatory measures are required from politicians. In our view, electromobility in combination with short transportation routes is the most efficient solution for our services.

Now the most important question at the end: If you were faced with the decision to buy an electric truck again today, would you choose it again?
In view of previous experience, yes. We still have to prove whether it is the right decision from an energy policy perspective and whether it is economically viable. As a company, we have dared to experiment and will only be able to judge whether it was the right decision in a few years’ time. After all, the state and legislation also have the task of introducing a rational and fair policy that takes all influences into account.