Reading time 9 min
11. June 2025
In waste and recycling logistics, reliability, cost-effectiveness – and increasingly also sustainability – are what count. R. Hürlimann AG Transporte in the canton of Zug decided early on to focus on electromobility – not for image reasons, but out of conviction and economic calculation. With the electric trucks for waste disposal logistics from Designwerk, tasks such as underground waste disposal are now carried out quietly, efficiently and with zero local emissions. Reto Hürlimann reports first-hand.
We are sitting in Reto Hürlimann’s office in Baar, Switzerland, on a sunny day. The first thing we see out of the window is the work yard. The hall roofs are covered with solar panels right up to the edge. In the background, the contours of the Zug mountains can be seen in the haze. Cycling enthusiast Reto Hürlimann waits patiently at the standing conference table until the recording equipment has been set up. In the interview, the managing director of the 70-year-old family business – R. Hürlimann AG Transporte – gives an insight into his experiences with waste disposal logistics, electric trucks and challenges – and explains what really counts in practice. What is your general assessment of the electric trucks from Designwerk?We are very satisfied. There were some minor challenges at the beginning, especially with the transition batteries. But we have now received the full battery capacity and everything is running as planned. As far as the vehicle configuration is concerned, Designwerk is one of the only companies that can offer an economically viable solution with four-axle vehicles – that was crucial for us.
How does the use of electric trucks differ in everyday waste disposal logistics compared to diesel-powered vehicles?We have a slightly lower payload, as the two tons of additional weight of the batteries cannot be fully compensated for. But that was taken into account. The positive effects outweigh the negative ones: The employees are more relaxed, more focused and work more efficiently. The set-up works in the same way as with diesel, there are no restrictions. And the operating costs are significantly lower thanks to lower electricity prices and predictable warranty services.
Do you use your own solar power for the battery electric vehicles?Yes, we have 9,000 m² of solar panels installed at our depot – with an annual production of around 2 million kWh. We need around 500,000 to 600,000 kWh for this order, so we cover 100% of our needs with our own electricity. We don’t have a storage system yet, but that will certainly be an issue in the next two to three years.
What is the feedback from your employees and customers?Very positive. The drivers appreciate the peace and quiet and the pleasant driving behavior. They had to learn to plan the routes optimally and use intermediate loads efficiently – that’s a learning process, but it’s going well. The feedback from customers – especially from the public sector in the canton of Zug – has also been very positive. The quiet vehicles without local exhaust fumes are perceived positively.
Were there also situations in which the range or charging infrastructure reached its limits?Initially, yes. In winter, we had less available energy than expected. And the route guidance was not yet fully optimized. There were individual tours where the vehicle didn’t last as planned – but that was due to a lack of experience. In the meantime, we have established intermediate charging points and such problems hardly occur any more.
Was there a moment that you were particularly proud of?The press day at the beginning of 2025 was certainly a highlight. We had originally planned a small media campaign, but suddenly Swiss television came along. Seeing our vehicles and our team on “Schweiz aktuell” was a very special moment. What does sustainability mean for you personally and for your company?For us, sustainability is both an obligation and a responsibility – also towards future generations. We have analyzed our processes with external partners and drawn up a comprehensive sustainability strategy. This applies not only to mobility, but also to aspects such as commuter traffic and infrastructure. What other sustainable investments are you planning?Long-term investments must be economically viable. There is already a great deal of interest in the public sector. We are in the process of convincing private customers. Sewer cleaning systems and small vehicles are also to be operated fully electrically in future. And we are already testing alternatives with the large sewer cleaning vehicle.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs who are considering switching to electric commercial vehicles?Calculate carefully – over the entire life cycle of eight to ten years. Properly organized, electromobility is no more expensive than diesel. Although the investment costs are higher, they pay for themselves with intelligent planning.
How would you describe Designwerk in two sentences?Designwerk is an innovative company that regularly reinvents itself and implements changes quickly. The solutions in the heavy-duty sector are very convincing – especially in terms of range. In our view, the 800-volt system is the next important step.
The example of Hürlimann Transport AG shows that fully electric special vehicles are already practical and economical. They are suitable for local authorities, waste disposal companies and companies with a high degree of customization. Designwerk offers solutions that are specially designed to meet these requirements – modular, robust and powerful.
Get advice now!Are you also planning to switch to special electric applications in the commercial vehicle sector? Our experts will support you with the design, planning and financing.
