Gebrüder Weiss, a leading logistics company, has taken a significant step towards promoting sustainability and eco-consciousness in Croatia. This summer, the company unveiled a new initiative that employs electric tricycles for deliveries to private homes and businesses on the picturesque islands of Rab and Lošinj. In addition, Gebrüder Weiss has introduced electric vans for urban deliveries in the capital city, Zagreb. These eco-friendly transport solutions aim to reduce carbon emissions and preserve the unique charm of Croatian islands while advancing the company’s climate neutrality targets by 2030.
The Croatian islands of Rab and Lošinj are known for their small towns and narrow streets, which have historically posed challenges for delivery services. In response to these obstacles, Gebrüder Weiss decided to introduce electric tricycles as a sustainable alternative. These vehicles come equipped with low-noise yet high-performance electric motors, making them ideal for manoeuvring through small towns, tourist resorts, and national parks. Moreover, the electric tricycles support the islands’ authenticity and uniqueness, allowing visitors to experience their charming character without disruption from noisy vehicles. Barbara Bujačić, Country Manager Croatia at Gebrüder Weiss, emphasized the importance of preserving the islands’ allure while ensuring eco-friendly deliveries for customers.
The electric tricycles have an impressive capacity, capable of transporting consignments weighing up to 500 kilograms and covering a distance of 50 kilometres on a single battery charge. This range is well-suited for serving the local communities of Rab and Lošinj, particularly during the bustling holiday season when demand for goods is at its peak.
Moreover, Gebrüder Weiss is extending its eco-conscious efforts to urban areas, specifically in the capital city, Zagreb. Electric vans have been integrated into their delivery fleet, catering to the transportation of goods to final customers in the city. Whether it’s furniture, appliances, or sports equipment, these electric vans are up to the task. With a range of 170 kilometres on a single battery charge, the vans are capable of making up to 35 eco-friendly deliveries per day. Their low-noise electric motors also contribute to a quieter and more pleasant urban environment.
Gebrüder Weiss has taken the lead in sustainable logistics by investing in alternative drives for heavy-load transport. The company has been at the forefront of developing ecologically compatible solutions for the “last mile” of delivery. In the Greater Vienna metropolitan area, electric trucks are already in use for local transport and deliveries to final customers in Austria and Hungary. Additionally, the company has been pioneering the use of hydrogen trucks, with one of the world’s first hydrogen trucks being deployed in Switzerland in 2021. Gebrüder Weiss is committed to expanding its sustainable fleet with plans to acquire additional hydrogen and electric trucks in Germany by 2024.
In line with its commitment to climate neutrality, Gebrüder Weiss also recently launched its own Photovoltaic system at its main location near Zagreb. The solar panels installed on the logistics facility’s roof boast an annual total peak performance of 500 kilowatts, contributing to saving about 107 tons of CO2 emissions per year.
Through these innovative and sustainable measures, Gebrüder Weiss is setting a positive example for the logistics industry in Croatia and beyond, demonstrating that eco-friendly transport solutions can preserve the natural beauty and reduce carbon footprints in both island paradises and bustling urban centers.