First Scania Plug-in hybrid in the Bulb Region for Houthandel Noordman

Houthandel Noordman has purchased a Scania P320 6×2 Plug-in hybrid. The wholesaler supplies wood and building products in the Randstad region and ordered the Scania PHEV in view of the upcoming zero-emission zones. The truck, equipped with curtain canvas body and transportable forklift, is the first Scania with hybrid drive in Leiden and the Bollenstreek region.

Brothers Alexander and Max Noordman form the sixth generation of Houthandel Noordman. With a small fleet of trucks they supply a versatile group of customers from their offices in Leiden and Oegstgeest. Alexander Noordman explains that the Euro 5 engine of one of the two trucks got the ball rolling. "To be able to serve our customers in the city without constantly having to apply for an exemption, we started looking into alternative fuels and powertrains."

After comparing several options and brands, the choice fell on the Scania P-series PHEV. "The plug-in hybrid technology allows us to drive emission-free when needed. We were already very enamored with Scania's look and technology, and the offer was the deciding factor."

Distribution vehicle par excellence

Noordman explains that the new truck had to meet several requirements. "Since we get into urban areas every day, maneuverability and handiness are important. The P-series is relatively light and, with a wheelbase of 4,950 mm, ideal for our operations." The new Scania PHEV is equipped with a cage hitch, which allows the driver not only to unload the load, but also to cover the last meters when things get really tight.

The 6×2 rigid truck combines the fuel-efficient 320-hp 9-liter engine with a 90KWh multi-battery. The range is ample for daily operations. Noordman is impressed with Scania's Zone, one of the connected services, which allows fully automatic switching between the combustion engine and electric driving based on GPS. The moment the vehicle enters the city center, it switches to the electric powertrain without driver intervention.

Sustainability Ambition

Charging is done at night in Oegstgeest where Houthandel Noordman moved into a sustainable and completely gas-free building last year. "With a planing mill and various electrical equipment, we have a substantial power requirement. We took that into account when building the premises. We invested heavily in a power supply and 460 solar panels. In that respect, we're in pretty good shape. We are proud that the Scania Plug-in hybrid brings us another step closer to our sustainability ambition."

Customer-oriented family business 

'Everything revolves around wood' is the philosophy of Houthandel Noordman, started in 1856 by the family of the same name. The wholesaler imports and supplies a wide range of wood products to contractors, carpentry factories, handymen and self-employed workers, mainly in the western half of the Netherlands. This combines standard products and customized products, which are manufactured in the machine shop. The customer-oriented family business employs 23 people across two locations.