Krummen Kerzers with Fully Electric Tractor from Futuricum

(Kerzers) “Companies have a special responsibility when it comes to climate protection. We want to lead the way and gradually replace fossil fuels. To fulfill this societal obligation, we use all means to keep our CO2 footprint as small as possible,” says Peter Krummen, Managing Partner of Krummen Kerzers AG. The Swiss logistics specialist has therefore been relying on concepts for the use of alternative drive technologies for years. In addition to several liquefied natural gas (LNG) trucks, the company also operates its own LNG filling station and a dedicated tank vehicle. The entry into electromobility marks the next logical step for Krummen Kerzers on the path to climate neutrality.

The newly purchased electric truck from the brand Futuricum, only the third in Switzerland, is based on Volvo’s FH series and has a range of 500 kilometers with its 900kWh batteries. The vehicle is fully charged after four hours. If renewable energy is used during charging, one electric truck can save 140 tons of CO2 annually. For Krummen, the acquisition of the Futuricum – which costs several times more than a conventional diesel tractor – is not only a matter of environmental protection but also an investment in future competitiveness.

Tractor Futuricum from Krummen Kerzers

Investment in Future Competitiveness

This is also confirmed by Christian Bach, Head of Vehicle Drive Systems at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa): “Decarbonizing freight transport will be a major challenge for the industry in the coming years. The key is the transition to renewable energy. Depending on the application, different drive concepts are suitable. Where possible, the direct use of renewable electricity in battery-electric trucks is the right approach.”

In this context, the fleet strategy of Krummen Kerzers is deliberately kept technology-open. Peter Krummen: “We are not looking for a single replacement for the diesel drive. Each technology should be used where it achieves the greatest benefit.” The Futuricum semi-trailer truck already offers a wide range of applications with its range and is expected to be used in distribution traffic for the Romandie starting in December.

Title photo: © Krummen / Image caption: Hans (left) and Peter Krummen in front of the new Futuricum tractor