“As carriers we have an image of polluters that has stuck with us, but we have solutions. » For Jean-Michel Gibert, the decarbonisation of heavy vehicles has quickly become a crucial issue in his transport business. The director of the Auvergne company GTY based in Lempdes, near Clermont-Ferrand, initially looked towards biofuels before opting for electricity.
Thus, when the La Poste group decided to use its first electric trucks for the Colissimo service in Auvergne, the first in France, the entrepreneur, already “leader of postal transport in the region”, quickly responded to the call and won. “It is a very big challenge because an electric vehicle costs around 300,000 euros, which is 1.5 times more than a vehicle with conventional fuel. We are supported by ADEME and, today, four of our electric trucks are used by La Poste”, he explains.
For the postal service operator, the choice fell on Puy-de-Dôme to seize an opportunity. “The two contracts for the connections with Moulins and Montluçon were expiring and my teams therefore looked for a way to reduce carbon emissions,” indicates Éric Gaul, director of the La Poste Colissimo parcel sorting platform in Clermont-Ferrand. We focused on electric because manufacturers were able to produce trucks that could travel a few hundred kilometers and which corresponded to the targeted connections. Tests for winter and summer weather conditions were also taken into account. »
“It won’t be systematic”
Since then, these two routes have covered 700 km using electric energy every day. This innovation is part of the decarbonisation ambition shown for several years by La Poste: “We align ourselves with the Paris agreements of 2015 which require a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050”, recalls Philippe Morelli, communication director of La Poste group, in particular for the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. We don’t start from scratch. We have already halved the number of grams of CO2 per package. Nationwide, 66% of packages are delivered by an electric vehicle, a bicycle postman or a pedestrian postman, in twenty-two metropolises. But the decarbonisation of parcel transport is supported by the quality of the service. It must not be degraded. »
A quality of service that could impact the extension of this innovation in France. This will be done on a case by case basis. “We will have to consider several elements to know whether we can give the green light to electric trucks or not. It will not be a systematic approach, but rather an energy mix. »
However, this growing need should develop a new market and the activity of companies like that of Jean-Michel Gibert. He who is increasingly requested by customers looking to reduce their CO2 emissions. “For our part, we want to make our fleet 100% greener. And above all, don’t do greenwashing as unfortunately we can sometimes see”, assures the head of the GTY.
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Jean-Michel Gibert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Jean-Michel Gibert, director of GTY, a company leading the charge in decarbonising transportation. It’s a pleasure to have you with us today.
Jean-Michel Gibert (JMG): Thank you for having me! It’s a great opportunity to share our journey towards greener logistics.
TNE: Let’s dive right in. You mentioned that the image of transport carriers is often that of polluters. How did this perception impact your decision-making process in your business?
JMG: Absolutely. For a long time, the transportation industry has been linked to pollution and heavy carbon emissions. As a leader in postal transport, I felt it was crucial for us to shift this narrative. The pressure to innovate and adopt sustainable practices is immense, not just from environmental groups but also from clients who are increasingly eco-conscious.
TNE: With that in mind, you initially explored biofuels before deciding on electric vehicles. What led to that pivotal choice?
JMG: Our initial investigations into biofuels posed a challenge, mainly in terms of scalability and logistics. When La Poste decided to venture into electrification for their Colissimo service, it sparked our interest. Electric vehicles not only offered a cleaner alternative but also were becoming more viable for our operations.
TNE: Speaking of La Poste, you secured a significant contract with them for electric trucks. What challenges did you face, and how did you manage the cost differences, given that electric trucks are significantly more expensive?
JMG: The price tag is definitely daunting—around 300,000 euros per vehicle, which is about 1.5 times more than conventional trucks. We were fortunate to receive support from ADEME, which eased some financial burdens. It’s a big leap, but it’s an investment in a sustainable future. We now have four electric trucks in operation, and as we scale up, we believe the costs will eventually reduce.
TNE: La Poste’s decision to pick Auvergne for electric trucks seems strategic. What were the key factors that influenced that choice?
JMG: That’s right. With their existing contracts with Moulins and Montluçon expiring, La Poste saw an opportunity to innovate while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions. It was important to us that the trucks were capable of covering the distances required, which is why we collaborated closely on performance testing in varied weather conditions—both summer and winter.
TNE: Practical considerations indeed! In terms of operations, how do these electric vehicles perform compared to their traditional counterparts, especially under the daily demands of logistics?
JMG: They have exceeded our expectations, actually. The electric trucks have been able to consistently cover the required routes—700 km daily using electric energy. Admittedly, it won’t be systematic for all routes just yet, but we’re discovering that electrification works well for certain connections, especially those in urban areas where emissions restrictions are on the rise.
TNE: It sounds like GTY and La Poste are pioneering what could potentially be a path for the entire sector. What advice would you give to other companies that are considering a shift towards more sustainable logistics?
JMG: My advice is to start small. Evaluate your operations and see where electrification can be incorporated feasibly. It’s also vital to seek support from government initiatives and form partnerships that align with your sustainability goals. Moreover, commit to an ongoing evaluation process—what works, what doesn’t, and adapt as needed.
TNE: Wise words indeed, Jean-Michel. Lastly, looking ahead, what do you envision for the future of green logistics?
JMG: I envision a transformative shift where electric and alternative-fuel vehicles become the norm rather than the exception. The industry will see technological advancements that increase efficiencies and reduce costs. With continued commitment from all stakeholders—companies, governments, and consumers—I am hopeful that we can fundamentally reshape the future of transport to be more sustainable.
TNE: Thank you so much for your insights, Jean-Michel. It’s inspiring to hear about the proactive steps GTY and La Poste are taking. Here’s to a greener future in logistics!
JMG: Thank you! It’s an exciting time in our industry, and I appreciate the platform to share our story.