Study: The role of electric vehicles in future logistics

A new study from the Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI) demonstrates that new electric vehicles may be the sustainable solution to future urban logistics needs. However, there are challenges to be addressed.

Battery weight has long been one of the major obstacles to electrification. Because of the 3.5 tonne gross vehicle weight limit for drivers with a B licence, which covers passenger cars and light lorries, electric delivery vehicles have had a significantly restricted freight capacity compared to equivalent diesel vehicles. This situation changed radically last year when Sweden increased the gross weight limit to 4.25 tonnes.

To understand how a 4.25 tonne electric vehicle works in practice, VTI conducted a week-long pilot study in collaboration with the company Gordon, which offers temperature-controlled deliveries of groceries and medicines in the Nordic region. The van used in the study was tested under completely normal operating conditions in Stockholm, with the same schedule, load, traffic conditions and number of deliveries as one of the company’s diesel vans.

The results show that the electric vehicle’s performance was at least equal to a diesel alternative, and sometimes better. The van drove between 70 and 90 kilometres each day with the refrigeration unit on. Despite this, it used only around 30 per cent of its battery capacity, completing the day’s work well within the energy margin and leaving considerable potential for driving longer routes had the operation demanded it.

The drivers participating in the study described the electric vehicle as noticeably quieter and smoother to drive than a diesel van, making their working day less stressful. This is not simply a matter of comfort, it impacts the entire work environment and in the long term could contribute to better working conditions and higher quality deliveries.

Despite the fact that electric vehicles have been shown to work well in practice, one major obstacle remains: grid capacity. While charging at night in the terminal is the most economical and practical method, adequate grid connection is required to be able to charge all the vans in a large vehicle fleet at the same time.

VTI’s study includes a number of recommendations that would make it possible to scale up and accelerate the transition:

• Policy instruments that remain stable over time.
• Faster processes for grid connection.
• Expanded charging infrastructure close to logistics hubs.
• Increased energy management capacity at transport companies.

Translation: CBG

The report (in Swedish): Fossilfri sista milen leverans i städer: Effekter av ökad totalvikt och klimatpremie för eldrivna lastbilar