Grupo Ruiz, one of the most prominent companies in the transport sector in Spain, reaffirms its leadership in sustainable mobility by achieving more than 25% electrification in its fleet, equivalent to more than 100 electric vehicles.
According to Antonio Martin, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the company, this achievement is not only a commitment to innovation, but also a challenge.
“Reaching this number is not easy and, logically, requires a very high focus on sustainability and taking risks,” he emphasizes.
Since its foray into electromobility, the firm has positioned itself as a pioneer by being “the first company to introduce an electric fleet” in the country.
This transition did not happen overnight.
Martin highlights that the learning process has been key: “We have integrated technology into our operations and optimized to continue increasing this number.”
Sustainability as corporate DNA
Full electrification of the fleet is not an immediate goal for Grupo Ruiz due to operational limitations.
However, Martin emphasizes that sustainability is at the core of his operations: “Our intention is to maximize both the electric and sustainable fleet, always seeking to reduce emissions as much as possible.”
In this context, the executive underlines the importance of government aid to promote electrification, especially in relation to infrastructure.
“There is a shortage of power on the grid and a slowdown in access to it, which is hindering our ability to increase the electric fleet,” he said in an interview with Mobility Portal España.
This is why it highlights the importance of programmes such as the Moves Plan, as essential incentives to reduce the impact of their activity on the environment.
“These types of initiatives are absolutely positive and necessary, not only for acquiring vehicles, but also for developing the infrastructure essential for their operation ,” he says.
Hydrogen innovation: The next step
In addition to its commitment to electrification, Grupo Ruiz has started a hydrogen pilot project, with the design of a hydrogen generating plant.
This development, according to the company’s representative, is in line with its business philosophy, since hydrogen represents innovation and sustainability.
“Although it is an emerging technology, we want to be at the forefront of its analysis and development,” he states.
For Martin, technological diversification will be crucial in the future of urban transport.
“We believe in mobility that is shared between different propulsion technologies and hydrogen is positioned to be one of them,” he says.
What does the future hold for Grupo Ruiz?
Martin confirms that more than 70% of purchases made in the last two years have been electric buses.
Although he did not give exact figures, he said that contract renewals will set the pace of electrification.
“We have invested a lot of money and effort into improving our electrical operations, analyzing how to increase this percentage year after year,” he said during the Global Mobility Call.
About Ruiz Group
Founded at the end of the 19th century, the company is one of the oldest and most prestigious transport companies in Spain.
It currently manages urban and interurban transport concessions in several communities, as well as operating in sectors such as hospitality, parking and street cleaning services.
With a workforce of more than 20,000 employees, its commitment to sustainability and innovation has been key to consolidating its leadership.
And not only that.
With more than 130 years of history, Grupo Ruiz continues to lead the way towards sustainable mobility.
Its combination of innovation, commitment to the environment and a clear focus on electrification and hydrogen positions the company as a benchmark in the sector.
“Our goal is to continue improving air quality and the impact on our cities,” concludes Antonio Martin.
