The supply of electric vans and trucks is increasing at a rapid pace. But can entrepreneurs who electrify their freight transport do their job properly if vehicles need to be recharged regularly? Yes, argue researchers from the Top Sector Logistics. Much is already feasible in the field of electric transport.
Commissioned by the Top Sector Logistics, Buck Consultants International, CE Delft, Districon, Hogeschool van Amsterdam, Panteia and TNO worked out how electric city logistics would be implemented in practice. The Greater Amsterdam region served as an example, but the approach can be implemented anywhere, according to the researchers.
Besides the applicability for entrepreneurs, the experts also looked at the changing charging needs and the impact on the electricity grid. By providing insights into where and when charging will take place, grid operators and municipalities can plan what infrastructure and space is needed.
A lot is already feasible
Results show that electric urban logistics offers opportunities. Much is already operationally and financially feasible. As technology advances, that percentage will only increase. In practice, the transition to electric city logistics is also proving to be the ideal time for entrepreneurs to organise logistics differently and smarter.
Investment
The transition to electric logistics can mostly be done with replacement investments. Vehicles are more expensive but operational costs (fuel, maintenance) are cheaper, but the group currently driving around with relatively cheap to buy second-hand vans does require additional support. Indeed, for the time being, there are no cheap second-hand electric vans available to them.
Charging infrastructure
The extra demand for electricity is relatively limited, but locally that extra demand can be just too much for the grid. Expanding capacity in time solves that. It is easy to predict where charging will take place: for Greater Amsterdam, for example, that means a demand for many public charging stations in neighbourhoods just outside the city, for delivery vehicles. For Dutch providers of charging infrastructure and IT systems, electric city logistics offers great opportunities: new products can be rolled out in the Netherlands that can then be offered in other countries.
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