While electric cars have long since become part of everyday life, the electrification of logistics fleets continues to lag behind. At present, just 1.5% of Swiss lorries are electric. Arguments such as high acquisition costs, the need to adapt processes, limited range and a lack of public charging points are frequently heard within the logistics sector. To ensure that at least the last of these barriers no longer constrains the market ramp-up of electric delivery vans and lorries, Loris Baldissera and Flurin Rindlisbacher have analysed various scenarios for future-proof charging infrastructure.
Loris Baldissera
“It is feasible. Our work shows that, through cooperation and forward-thinking decisions, the electrification of logistics fleets can become a reality.”
Three scenarios, one goal
The study focuses on three scenarios: “Charging at a company’s own depot, a model based on collaborative charging stations connected to the public grid, and a visionary concept featuring largely energy-autonomous charging sites with shared access to charging infrastructure.” Even the baseline scenario shows that many branches of a selected logistics company can be easily reached from the central distribution centre using the latest electric lorries – but not all of them. Rindlisbacher explains: “Charging en route is the solution.” The collaborative scenario therefore examines transport hubs that would be suitable locations for the strategic placement of mega-chargers. These would enable rapid charging, extend delivery routes and distribute investment costs across several companies. At the same time, however, they could create a risk of grid congestion.
For this reason, the autonomous energy systems scenario goes one step further. In this model, photovoltaic systems at various locations are combined with battery storage systems, which store solar energy and charge fleets independently of the grid. “The simulations show that, despite high initial costs, such solutions become economically viable after around nine years and help to avoid grid congestion,” explains Baldissera.
Maike Scherrer
Head of Sustainable Supply Chain Management and Mobility
“At present, only 1.5% of Swiss logistics fleets are electrified. To support net-zero targets, the electrification of logistics fleets must be accelerated rapidly.”
Perspectives and demands
In order to drive forwards the electrification of logistics fleets, however, clear political signals will be needed alongside technological innovations. The students are therefore calling on the federal government to create targeted investment incentives, remove regulatory barriers and support collaborative infrastructure solutions. The potential climate benefit is substantial: according to estimates, lorries and delivery vans produce up to 3.4 million tonnes of CO₂ annually, equivalent to around one-tenth of Switzerland’s total emissions.
