CO₂-free on the last mile

In mid-January, Vogt Cargo moved into its new home in the industrial district of Münchenbuchsee (BE). This is also where the freight and express specialist’s new CNG vehicle sets off on its general cargo and logistics runs. Driver Michel Zollet shows what the CO₂-neutral Scania is capable of in practice and the benefits it offers.

Chauffeur Michel Zollet drives to 15 to 17 locations per tour in his Scania R410 with a 13-liter CNG drive. Source: CNG-Mobility.ch

For Vogt Cargo, space was getting increasingly tight at its former site in Wankdorf, Bern. The commercial district was gradually being transformed into a purely residential area with high-rise buildings, so the municipal authorities were imposing increasingly rigorous requirements on the logistics and general cargo specialist. By no means an easy situation for an SME such as Vogt Cargo. But founder and managing director Alexander Vogt is known for his forward-looking strategy and ideas. “I spent a good year planning the move to Münchenbuchsee. The main challenge was that we wanted all operations to continue as normal, and we also had to find new solutions to meet the ever-increasing ecological demands for city logistics,” says Vogt. “The legal restrictions are getting tighter, too.” Even though the authorities themselves were promoting new hub and logistics concepts, it repeatedly had to be explained to them that there would be a cost involved for services and last-mile freight delivery. After all, every bicycle courier and the company’s drivers still have to be paid a fair wage.

The Bernese entrepreneur Alexander Vogt is concerned about climate-friendly logistics and uses the appropriate drive for the respective job. Source: CNG-Mobility.ch

The Bernese entrepreneur doesn’t just see the problems, however: he’s always on the look-out for solutions. At his new company headquarters, he looks over to the ready-to-use E-Cargo Tripl models. These electric tricycles are used by Vogt Cargo for goods traffic in the city of Bern and its conurbation. And there’s also fully electrically powered Mercedes eVito plugged in to charge up ready for its next outing. “We look for the right form of propulsion to suit each job and use each energy source wherever it makes the most sense,” explains Vogt. “We now specialise in small volumes and express deliveries. But we offer a wide range of logistics solutions, too – from warehousing to picking, packaging and distribution to event logistics.”

Michel Zollet checks details on the dispatch sheets and off to the next destination – even CO₂-free thanks to biogas in the tank. Source: CNG-Mobility.ch

CO₂-neutral thanks to biogas: Michel Zollet’s Scania R410 with a 13-litre CNG engine is deployed for last-mile delivery. “The CNG drive system is simply not well known among drivers,” explains the 34-year-old as he enters his first stop in the sat nav – one of 15 to 17 stops per tour. “I always use the sat nav as an additional aid. This applies to all the driving assistants, too, such as the camera and blind-spot warning systems – (laughs) we don’t want the boss to have ordered and paid for all these gadgets for nothing! The technology is very sophisticated and really helpful, too.” The driver is obviously proud of his new CNG vehicle. “With the exception of the somewhat weaker retarder as compared to my old diesel engine, I haven’t noticed any downsides. And that simply means I have to adjust my driving style and be a bit more proactive on the road,” says Zollet, as he skilfully winds his way between the parked cars along Quartierstrasse on his way to the next customer. “The three-axle model and the passively steering rear axle are a major benefit,” he says.

Thanks to the CNG Scania’s air suspension, the vehicle can be lowered individually at the front and rear, which makes unloading or even accessing private customers much easier. Source: CNG-Mobility.ch

He also really likes the pneumatic suspension in his Scania: this allows the vehicle to be lowered to specific heights at the front and rear, making it much easier to unload and access private customers’ premises, since there are no loading docks here. And how do customers and colleagues actually react to the much quieter trucks – and the fact that they’re even carbon-neutral thanks to the biogas? “When they first spot a big truck like this in the neighbourhood, they’re not that keen. But when customers see what it says on the side and realise we’re CO₂-free thanks to biogas, their faces immediately brighten up,” says Zollet, who comes from Flamatt himself. “A lot of people come up to me to talk about it and think it’s great.”

The CNG truck is equipped on both sides with both an NGV2 nozzle for a larger flow rate and the NGV1 fuelling nozzle. Source: CNG-Mobility.ch

Due to a construction site access road with a weight restriction, Zollet has to reschedule his route at short notice. “As a driver, you have to think for yourself – and you have to stay flexible, especially when you’re carrying general cargo.” He looks through his scheduling sheets, rearranges them – then off he goes to another destination. “I’ll go to these two stops this afternoon. Right now I’ll go to Inselspital, then I’ll stop by at the filling station.” His CNG Scania can cover 450 to 500 kilometres on a full tank. “I haven’t exhausted the range yet – I’m just starting to get the feel of it. I’m mostly out and about in the Bern area anyway, so it’s never an issue. And refuelling is very quick. If you’re familiar with the trick of applying gentle counter-pressure to remove the nozzle, it’s no problem.” His boss Alexander Vogt was careful to make provisions here, making sure that the truck is fitted on both sides with both an NGV2 nozzle for a larger flow rate and the NGV1 nozzle normally used by cars. This means that Zollet is spoilt for choice and can fill up on biogas at any of the more than 150 Swiss CNG filling stations as necessary.

Despite its size, the CNG-powered Scania is well received by customers and residents because it is CO₂-neutral on the road. Source: CNG-Mobility.ch

The 34-year-old is delighted with “his” Scania: “It’s got my name on it – it really is great fun to drive. With chrome rims, it would have been a bit hotter looking – but wider, too: even so, it looks really good and the boss has given me the OK to do add my own personal touch to the cockpit.” Michel Zollet’s eyes light up – and you can instantly sense his professional pride in driving a state-of-the-art and climate-friendly CNG vehicle. (jas, 18 March 2022)