AS Watson and its logistics partner Cornelissen Transport have launched the first electric truck for distribution to Kruidvat shops. With a drive to Kruidvat shops in Rotterdam, the Volvo FM Electric tractor was officially taken into use.
"We are working hard to make our supply chain more sustainable. In this,CO2 reduction plays a crucial role and making transport more sustainable contributes significantly to this," says Yvette Heijwegen, supply chain director of AS Watson Health & Beauty Benelux. "With the commissioning of the Volvo FM Electric truck, we are taking another step in that sustainability drive. Carriers like Cornelissen Transport are fully committed to electrification and are frontrunners when it comes to more sustainable transport. Our long-standing cooperation with Cornelissen Transport also helps us to ultimately be able to make the right strategic choices."
Emission-free fleet
Mark van der Drift, CEO Cornelissen Groep, stresses the importance of cooperation in the energy transition: "By deploying the Volvo FM Electric truck for Kruidvat, we are taking a nice step towards 100% emission-free shop distribution. Every logistics operation is unique, which is why it is crucial to work together with our partners and deploy the electric vehicles optimally. This goes beyond just emission-free driving; it also includes efficient trip planning and the planning and execution of charging sessions. These steps are essential for future-proof logistics operations and scaling up to a fully emission-free fleet."
Range of 400 kilometres
The Volvo FM Electric tractor is equipped with a gross battery capacity of 540 kWh, providing a range of over 300 kilometres on a full battery charge for distribution trips. Thanks to the advanced charging system at Cornelissen's charging stations, the battery can be additionally recharged during breaks or between trips in 30 minutes for an additional 100 kilometres of range. At night, the battery is fully charged, allowing the tractor to cover around 400 kilometres daily without major adjustments in the logistics operation.
Van der Drift concludes, "Together with Kruidvat, we are not only working on making our logistics operations more sustainable, but also on a broader vision of a sustainable future. This partnership shows that by working together, we can make a difference."
