Direkt Transport: making the switch to electric trucks with confidence

Table of content

How tailored support, real-world planning and driver engagement turned uncertainty into everyday performance

Switching from diesel to electric trucks is often seen as a leap into the unknown. Questions about range, charging infrastructure and operational impact can make the transition seem daunting.

For Swiss transport company Direkt Transport, the experience has been very different. Working closely with Renault Trucks, the company discovered that electrification isn't about changing everything overnight. It's about understanding operations, planning carefully and relying on the right expertise. Battery-electric trucks offer the most energy-efficient solution available today while reducing noise, improving driver comfort and helping operators prepare for the future. With the right vehicle specification, the right charging strategy and the right operational support, the transition becomes both achievable and profitable.

Together, Direkt Transport and Renault Trucks have shown that when vehicles are tailored to real transport needs and drivers are fully supported, electric trucks become a natural part of everyday business.

One transition, three voices

In this series of interviews, Marc Gutzwiller (Managing Director of Direkt Transport), Adam Chebaro (Operational Efficiency Specialist at Renault Trucks Switzerland), and Yanis (the Direkt Transport driver) share their experience of the company's electric transition.

Together, they explain how close collaboration, technical expertise and day-to-day support transformed initial questions into lasting confidence.

Direkt Transport Company's key figures to electrification

Tailor-made specification

Each truck configured around real routes, battery capacity and operational needs.

Predictable operations

Range simulations and charging strategies remove uncertainty before deployment.

End-to-end support

From feasibility studies to driver coaching and performance monitoring.

Driver-approved

Electric trucks quickly became the preferred vehicles thanks to their comfort, quietness, driving experience and reliability.

From operation analysis to the right truck.

For Direkt Transport, the transition did not begin with choosing a truck. It began with analysing the company's operations.

Renault Trucks worked alongside Marc's team to understand delivery routes, daily mileage, payloads, battery requirements and charging opportunities before recommending the right configuration.

"The vehicle was configured exactly as Direkt Transport needed for its daily operation", explains Adam. Every detail, from battery concept to cab equipment, was selected to match the company's real-life activities rather than theoretical figures.

Marc describes this as one of the biggest strengths of the collaboration: rather than simply delivering a truck, Renault Trucks delivered a complete solution designed specifically for their business.

Marc Gutzwiler, Managing Director, Direkt Transport — Marc Gutzwiller Managing Director, Direkt Transport

From range anxiety to confident planning

Renault Trucks is producing a series of customer testimonials highlighting: - its expertise in supporting companies in decarbonising their transport fleets, - the concrete benefits for customers (environmental, economic, operational) of our advisory/consulting approach throughout their decarbonisation project, - the role of our company as a trusted partner in these complex projects.

At Direkt Transport, range and charging quickly became part of everyday operations thanks to careful planning. Using advanced simulation tools, the team could accurately predict vehicle performance on real routes. As Adam explains, "We can quickly remove those concerns using our range simulator and show customers exactly how far the truck can actually go."

Fast charging during driver breaks extends the truck's range up to 600 km when needed. Supported by Optifleet Charge Service, charging becomes a planned part of the operation rather than a constraint.

Partnership beyond vehicle delivery

The collaboration began well before vehicle delivery with simulations, TCO calculations and operational studies. It continued through driver training, charging infrastructure advice and ongoing performance monitoring once the trucks entered service.

"We support customers from A to Z—from the first discussion right through to everyday operation," explains Adam.

For Marc, this continuous support is particularly valuable during the first months of operation.

"The biggest need is before you start—and once you've started, to know that someone is still there to help you through the transition."

Renault Trucks is producing a series of customer testimonials highlighting: - its expertise in helping companies decarbonize their transportation fleets, - the tangible benefits for customers (environmental, economic, and operational) of our advisory and consulting approach throughout their decarbonization projects, - our company’s role as a trusted partner on these complex projects.

Discover more success stories

Drivers quickly become the strongest ambassadors

Technology alone doesn't make an electric transition successful. Drivers do.

Although some experienced drivers initially had reservations, Direkt Transport found that acceptance came remarkably quickly once they tried the vehicles.

According to Adam, drivers immediately appreciate the quiet cab, driving comfort and smooth acceleration. "You no longer hear the engine—you simply feel the truck moving."

The driver's own testimony reinforces this experience.

"The truck is incredibly quiet and comfortable to drive. Once you've experienced electric driving, you don't really want to go back."

Training also played a crucial role. Renault Trucks accompanies drivers on their routes, helping them understand how to optimise energy consumption while adapting to their own routes and driving habits. Adam points out that the learning process works both ways: "Drivers learn from us—but we also learn from them, because every route is different."

"Once drivers understand the truck, they realise it's not complicated at all."

Electric mobility built on trust

Direkt Transport's experience shows that successful electrification is not about overcoming technical barriers. It is about building confidence.

Confidence in the vehicle through real-world simulations. Confidence in operations through careful planning. Confidence in drivers through training and support. And confidence in a partner who remains involved long after the truck has been delivered.

Together, Direkt Transport and Renault Trucks demonstrate that the journey to electric mobility is simpler than many transport operators imagine—when it is built around partnership, expertise and everyday operational reality.

Contact our experts today

Surname

First name

Email

Phone number

Company

Postcode

Opt in for commercial contact

I agree that when submitting this form, Renault Trucks will store and keep my personal data as long as required to evaluate the information provided and in order to be able to contact me back about this specific subject. My data may also be transferred to Renault Trucks partners and distributors that will be able to handle my demand.