Broekmans Patisserie drives electric vans

Maastricht has a zero-emission zone and so does Venlo, starting Jan. 1, 2027. Fossil fuel delivery vans and trucks are not allowed to enter these zones. Entrepreneurs are therefore switching to electric delivery vans and trucks. For example, Broekmans Patisserie now drives two electric delivery vans. "We liked the first van and confirmed that electric driving works for us."

Broekmans Patisserie has an ever-changing assortment of pastry, boulangerie and chocolate products. Since 1923 this family business has been making all its products itself. The patisserie has five stores: three in Venlo, one in Venray and one in Eindhoven. The pastry shop is located at Businesspark Noorderpoort in Venlo. Until mid-2024, two diesel delivery trucks delivered all the bakery's goodies to its own stores and to individuals and businesses such as supermarkets. In September 2024, owner Geert Broekmans replaced the first diesel with an electric delivery truck. "That worked out well. That's why we also traded in the second diesel for an electric one. That way we are ready for the future. I always say: 'As an entrepreneur, you don't have to be the first, but you don't have to be the last either. In the pack, you keep up with everything just fine.' That includes taking steps that are good for our climate."

The first step: an electric car

In September 2024, Broekmans Patisserie took the first step toward electric driving with the purchase of an electric van of the MAN brand. This was a second-hand, refrigerated van previously used by a catering company. Geert: "The van had only driven 40,000 kilometers and the cooling engine had also only had a few running hours. That gave us confidence."

This electric van is used for daily trips from the bakery in Venlo. "For our routes, the range is more than sufficient. We liked the switch and confirmed that electric driving works for us. That was the reason for me to also replace the second diesel with an electric van."

The second van electric as well

The second electric van is a refrigerated Mercedes eCitan. Geert: "The lease contract of our last diesel expired. At the same time, we noticed that delivery times for new electric refrigerated vans are long. That's why I started looking for an electric van that had already been fully converted."

Geert found that at Hedin Automotive in Veenendaal. "The Mercedes eCitan was move-in ready. We had the interior dimensions checked beforehand, because we work with crates of 60 by 40 centimeters. When it turned out that everything fit, the choice was quickly made."

The van was picked up at the end of November 2025 and runs on the Venlo-Venray-Eindhoven route. "That's about 150 kilometers a day. In summer, the van has a range of about 280 kilometers. In winter, due to lower temperatures and the use of heating, that's around 200 kilometers. That's more than enough for us."

Smart charging on private property

At the business park in Venlo, Broekmans Patisserie has three charging stations. The drivers charge the vans as standard upon their return. Geert: "We don't have quick chargers for that, but with our fixed routes and nightly charging, that's not a problem. The vans leave every morning with a full battery."

When the building was built, a deliberate choice was made for a generous power connection. "We saw even then that our energy needs would increase in the future. As a result, grid capacity is not an obstacle now. Solar panels are not there yet. We're looking at that this year."

Access to zero-emission zones

One of Geert's locations is in Eindhoven, near the Central Station. A zero-emission zone has applied there since January 1, 2025. In this zero-emission zone, delivery vans and trucks that run on fossil fuels are not allowed. Emission-free delivery vans and trucks are, including the electric delivery vans of Broekmans Patisserie. Not only Eindhoven has such a zero-emission zone, but also Maastricht and almost 20 other cities. And Venlo will have a zero-emission zone from January 1, 2027. "With our electric vans, we can continue to deliver in Venlo and Eindhoven without restrictions," says Geert.

Advice from logistics broker

When Geert was considering his first electric van, he sought advice from logistics broker Mark Luikens. "For example, Mark showed me an overview of all electric vans, including range. He also told me about the various subsidy options. When I wanted to buy the used van, he asked me sensible critical questions. Very nice to spar with an independent person who has expertise. I also used his advice when choosing the second van."

Geerts tips for other entrepreneurs

Does Geert have any tips for other entrepreneurs who are or will be dealing with zero-emission zones? "Yes he does. Is a new electric van too expensive for you? Look for a good used one. Many vans have a warranty period on the battery. Ours, for example, has 8 years and 160,000 kilometers of warranty on the battery, so that's fine. Also know that fuel - electricity, that is - is cheaper. And if you have solar panels on your farm, you are even your own energy supplier. Moreover, with an electric van you have much lower maintenance costs. Are you new to electric driving, or would you like advice on van brands, range and charging infrastructure? Take advantage of Mark's expertise."