Driving more or fully electric is the ambition of an increasing number of transport companies. All the pieces of this complicated jigsaw puzzle have now been put together by Zonnegilde.
The installer based in Kampen is taking major steps in the transition to sustainable transport. Their new proposition, 'Charging on Sun', is now ready to be implemented on a larger scale, specifically aimed at companies with a large fleet of at least fifty trucks. This development, arising from a two-year collaboration with two initial customers, has led to a proven concept with an economically solid basis.
The pressure on transport companies to switch to more, if not fully, electric driving is increasing. This shift is motivated by both cost efficiency and increasing demands from clients for sustainable transport solutions. However, the transition to electric transportation poses significant challenges, including replacing the existing fleet with electric trucks, setting up an adequate charging infrastructure, and integrating battery storage and energy management systems. In addition, contracts with energy suppliers often need to be revised and financing and grid congestion issues addressed.
As a specialist in solar energy storage and charging projects for small and medium-sized businesses and real estate owners, Zonnegilde has tackled these challenges. The company has carried out successful projects for major transporters such as Oegema Transport and E. van Wijk, aimed at making their entire energy management more sustainable. The director of Zonnegilde, Gerard de Ruiter, emphasizes that 'Charging on Sun' is based on three pillars: technical feasibility of local electric charging (even with grid congestion), financial feasibility through competitive prices compared to public charging points, and a sound business case with flexible investment options.
By emphasizing sustainability, economic efficiency, and energy independence, Zonnegilde enables companies to make their operations more sustainable while simultaneously benefiting from financial benefits.
Zonnegilde works together with experienced partners for the charging, storage and energy management system. De Ruiter explains that they use a 'one stop shop' approach, where they work closely with their customers throughout the entire process, from advice to technical realization. This also includes advice on returning electricity and making real estate more sustainable.
With ten years of experience in the installation of large-scale solar energy projects, Zonnegilde has extensive technical knowledge. The expansion to battery storage and charging was a logical step. De Ruiter emphasizes the benefits for transport companies: lower net energy costs, a predictable energy rate thanks to self-generated electricity, a reduced CO2 footprint, and meeting client demand and national trends towards a zero-emission policy in major cities from 2025.
Photo article: Gerard de Ruiter from Zonnegilde stands next to the battery and tank unit at Oegema Transport.
