E-mobility: New hybrid company car for Weserland

For the first time, Weserland is using a company car with plug-in hybrid technology for its daily commutes within the city of Hannover. In addition, we are testing an electric forklift for loading and unloading in the warehouse.

With the company car, we also want to make a contribution to significantly less noise and lower particle pollution in the city centre.
For more than 80 per cent the vehicle is used for the daily commute.The lithium-ion high-voltage battery offers a purely electric range of up to 65 km and can be easily recharged at home or at our newly installed in-house charging station. This is ideal for commuting.

For the occasional necessary business trips outside Hannover, the conventional drive comes into play. thus we also have the necessary flexibility in terms of range.The lithium-ion high-voltage battery offers a purely electric range of up to 65 km and can be easily recharged at home or at our newly installed in-house charging station. This is ideal for commuting.

For the occasionally necessary business trips outside Hannover, the conventional drive comes into play. This gives us the additional flexibility we need in terms of range. So for us, a plug-in hybrid vehicle is the perfect alternative to an all-electric car.

Of course, the lower CO2 impact on the climate is an important factor. However, it is debatable from how many kilometres onwards othe vehicle achieves a positive CO2 balance – obviously depending on the number of kilometres driven electrically. It is difficult to predict whether this will be achieved within the working life of two years as a company car – but we will actively monitor it.

So far, a maximum of one tank filling per month has been necessary. And there have even been months in which no refuelling was necessary at all. In the past, at least two fillings per month were necessary for the same mileage.

New quality in the warehouse with electric forklifts

We also tested an electric forklift. With one battery charge, we got well beyond one day, with several vehicles being loaded and unloaded. Our colleagues were particularly impressed by the low noise level in the warehouse. The difference in noise in the hall is enormous compared to our gas-powered forklifts. The driving performance also attracted positive attention. The electric control is very precise everywhere.

After this all-round positive impression, we will turn to electric versions in the future – after the current leasing contracts will expire.

We are also planning to use company e-bikes for interested colleagues. Of course, these can then be charged at Weserland and thus also contribute to reducing emissions in the city.

Photos: Oliver Bär