Energy Transition: Greater Focus Needed on Small Logistic Service Providers
On behalf of the Topsector Logistiek (Topsector Logistics), Panteia has identified the major challenges in transitioning from diesel to battery-electric vehicles. This analysis was conducted primarily from the perspective of smaller companies, as they may not be sufficiently reached through the usual channels.
For five participating moving companies, customised advice was provided within the project. Based on the findings, a step-by-step plan was developed (see below), which was made as simple as possible. This plan aims to provide companies with a clearer understanding of their transition pathway.
Interestingly, businesses often begin with step 2 of the plan, namely defining the intended electric vehicle fleet. In doing so, they skip the critical first step: determining how much “power” is available to the company for charging vehicle batteries.
The process revealed that at least two areas of expertise are essential for successfully navigating the transition pathway: cost calculation and electrical engineering. While companies generally perform well in cost calculations, challenges predominantly arise in the area of electrical engineering. This knowledge is often lacking, as it is not relevant in the “diesel world,” and available general information is not yet sufficiently tailored to this target group. As a result, it is difficult to answer questions such as, “What is the optimal battery capacity (in kWh) for our company’s trucks?” or “How powerful (in kW) do my charging stations need to be, and can this fit within the company’s existing connection (in kW) to the public grid?”
Simplified Step-by-Step Plan for (Small) Logistics Companies
To develop tailored advice for the five companies and complete the step-by-step plan, a combination of expertise has proven essential:
- In-depth knowledge of the (operational) challenges faced by small logistics companies during the energy transition;
- Conducting cost calculations (e.g., using the TCO-vracht (TCO-Freight)* cost module) to provide insight into the "TCO gap" between diesel and electric versions of a freight vehicle;
- Performing capacity calculations (e.g., using the TCO-Vracht* charging hub module) to outline the layout and costs of the charging hub required to supply the intended electric fleet with sufficient electricity.
The project’s final results have led to the formation of a working group tasked with further refining the step-by-step plan. Additionally, efforts will be made to determine the best way to reach the target group - small logistics service providers - with this information. Traditional channels, such as websites, trade fairs, and conferences, appear to be insufficient in this regard.
