Electric tractor units from Planzer compete with solar aircraft

A scene straight out of a Hollywood action movie! On June 24, a spectacular event took place on the runway of Payerne Airport: A state-of-the-art electric tractor-trailer from the Swiss family company Planzer, the Volvo FH Electric T, rolled across the airfield – accompanied by the solar-powered experimental aircraft SolarStratos. The HB-SXA flew at 80 km/h parallel to the runway and the electric truck before accelerating to 120 km/h.

(Dietikon/Payerne) This impressive action was not only carried out out of a passion for technology but also pursued a clear goal: to raise public awareness of the transition to clean mobility and to protect our planet. Two fully electric vehicles – one capable of transporting up to 20 tons of cargo with drastically reduced CO2 emissions, and the other powered solely by solar energy, aiming this summer for the highest-ever flight of an electric manned aircraft over the Alps at 10,000 meters – together demonstrate what transportation can look like in the future. The stunning images from this event showcase Planzer not only as a partner of SolarStratos but also as an active player in the transition to sustainable mobility.

The execution of this event on the runway, typically used by the Swiss Army’s FA/18 jets, required meticulous preparation and the highest safety standards. Accordingly, the participants were thrilled with the successful outcome.

Raphaël Domjan, pilot of the SolarStratos aircraft and initiator of the project, says: “This joint action with our partner Planzer, which expands our mission to road traffic, is a strong signal. That a logistics company collaborates with us on the airfield shows that we are on the right track. And it is especially impactful for the public.”

Jan Pfenninger, Head of Marketing & Communication at Planzer, adds: “That two of our trucks have been carrying the SolarStratos branding for years, drawing attention to this exciting vision on Swiss roads, is already a strong signal. But now to act together with the solar aircraft on the runway is spectacular. For us, collaboration in the name of sustainable mobility is central, and we sincerely thank Raphaël Domjan and his team for the wonderful reception and the opportunity to be part of this vision.”

Exhibition of the PlanetSolar Foundation in Münchenstein

By the way: The PlanetSolar Foundation, named after the gigantic solar catamaran with which Raphaël Domjan completed the first circumnavigation of the globe using solar energy in 2012, is showcasing the exhibition Pioneers of Solar Energy in the Kosmos exhibition space of Primeo Energie in Münchenstein (BL) until October 23, 2025. Additionally, it has launched a new scientific expedition on Lake Titicaca with the solar-electric boat PlanetSolar II in spring 2025.

Photos: © Planzer