Electric trucks enter the city centre
VHC Jongens and Rijkswaterstaat have launched a pilot project to test how an electric truck can deliver products to hospitality businesses in Amsterdam’s city centre as cleanly and efficiently as possible. As part of this initiative, VHC Jongens has become the first in the Netherlands to purchase an electric, relatively small refrigerated truck with 7.5t capacity and cooling and freezing compartments.
VHC Jongens aims to provide a comprehensive concept for “clean and smart supply” to its clients, which includes emission-free transport using small trucks. The company sought a vehicle weighing no more than 7.5 tons but with sufficient battery capacity for cooling and freezing transportation to deliver flexibly and sustainably to customers within Amsterdam’s ring road.
The truck is emission-free and equipped with solar panels to recharge its batteries en route, ensuring it can return to base for full recharging. VHC Jongens has sufficient charging infrastructure in place not only for this truck but also for future fleet expansions. Additionally, the truck’s 7.5t weight ensures it doesn’t place extra strain on Amsterdam’s bridges and quays.
Feedback from clients and drivers
“Introducing a new truck to the Dutch market has been a major endeavour. But we are incredibly proud to be the first foodservice company to supply our clients sustainably and quietly. Clients are increasingly asking for comprehensive sustainable solutions, not just in our food products but also in transport. We do everything for a smarter business,” said Ed Vleugel, transport manager at VHC Jongens.
Marcel Schonenberg, general director of Beurs van Berlage and board member of Amsterdam City Association, added: “Beurs van Berlage places high value on sustainability. As part of our CSR policy, sustainability spans many aspects, from our monumental building to our relationships with suppliers. We greatly appreciate VHC Jongens’ leadership in sustainability and their steps forward with this new electric truck”.
VHC Jongens, supported by Rijkswaterstaat, will monitor individual and collective experiences throughout the pilot. This includes CO2 emissions, traffic safety, charging infrastructure, range, and load capacity. Clients’ feedback on sustainable delivery and out-of-hours delivery will also form part of the evaluation. Drivers will share their experiences with the new truck, including traffic safety (the vehicle is nearly silent to other road users).
“Together with VHC Jongens, we will monitor the results and compare them with deliveries using diesel trucks”
Yvonne de Boer, logistics programme coordinator for Rijkswaterstaat West-Nederland Noord
Yvonne de Boer elaborated: “In the ‘Smart and Sustainable’ programme, we aim to reduce road network pressure and CO2 emissions by accelerating innovations and supporting entrepreneurs implementing practical, smart, and sustainable solutions. Together with VHC Jongens, we will evaluate the results and compare them with diesel truck deliveries.
VHC Jongens has already trained some of its drivers to operate the truck, and selected customers are receiving sustainable deliveries as part of the pilot. The Municipality of Amsterdam is offering flexibility regarding delivery time windows, as this aligns with achieving emission-free inner-city transport ahead of the 2025 implementation of ZE (zero-emission) zones. Hans van den Berg, strategic communications advisor for Logistics020 at the Municipality of Amsterdam, commented: “The Municipality welcomes entrepreneurs who bring smart solutions to contribute to zero-emission deliveries in the city centre. Additionally, smaller trucks must be used more frequently due to the limited load capacity of bridges and quays.
Alongside small trucks, VHC Jongens is also preparing for sustainable transport with larger electric vehicles to be used primarily on Amsterdam’s ring road and the surrounding region. Three 19t electric trucks have already been ordered, with two more 7.5t trucks to be added later this year. VHC Jongens is committed to achieving a fully sustainable electric fleet in Amsterdam by 2024.