Volkswagen has just delivered 100 of its electric ID Buzz Cargo vans to Helion, a leader in the Swiss solar industry. With this delivery, Helion has fully transitioned its fleet to electric vehicles.

The handover — the largest of its kind for the ID Buzz Cargo — took place at the Attisholz site near Solothurn, Switzerland. Helion, now boasting one of the largest electric commercial fleets in the country, will have its 100 “Helionauts” hitting the roads in these new all-electric vans. Previously, the Helionauts had been driving traditional diesel-powered vehicles, but now they’ll be cruising in eco-friendly style.

Lars Krause, Volkswagen’s head of sales and marketing, was on hand for the event, expressing his excitement about the partnership. He praised Helion’s commitment to sustainable mobility, noting that these vans, paired with Helion’s self-generated solar power, represent a significant step toward carbon-neutral operations.

Volkswagen ID Buzz and Helion

Helion’s CEO, Noah Heynen, shared the enthusiasm, emphasising that this switch to electric isn’t just a logistical change — it’s a statement. With 100 technicians now driving electric vehicles, Helion is not only making an environmental impact but also reinforcing its vision for the future. Given Switzerland’s compact cities and extensive charging infrastructure, the ID Buzz Cargo, with its impressive 265-mile range, is a perfect fit for the company’s needs.

To ensure a smooth transition, Helion prepared in advance by creating a support group to test the vehicles and troubleshoot potential issues. They’ve also made significant investments in expanding their charging infrastructure across all branches, ensuring Helionauts can easily charge their vans, even at home. Thanks to the ID Buzz Cargo’s range, public charging will rarely be necessary, keeping operations efficient and green.

Volkswagen ID Buzz and Helion

According to Heynen, the most important thing is to always keep an eye on the long-term goal of succeeding with the energy transition, thus stopping climate change. “Helion plans to save around 300 tonnes of CO2 per year by switching to an electric fleet. In doing so, we are making our contribution to achieving the climate goals and assuming responsibility as a company,” he says. “In addition, customers benefit from even more sustainable solar systems, as Helion technicians are now all on the road with electric commercial vehicles. This further improves the carbon footprint of our products.”

Phil Huff
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