Over 30 logistics stakeholders joined forces in July 2021 to identify the right mix of policies, strategies and measures that can support the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in city logistics. The workshop was part of a series of multi-stakeholder dialogues that will create a roadmap for effective integration of new, modular electric freight vehicles in physical distribution activities. URBANIZED is developing such a vehicle, aiming to future-proof cities with sustainable last mile delivery options by solving the trade-offs between “one size fits all” and “design for purpose”. The project’s goal is to design a small, modular, all-electric UFT N1 vehicle, which will be a significant improvement compared to the vehicles used today for similar purposes.

The first session of the workshop focused on the URBANIZED vehicle itself. After a detailed presentation of the vehicles’ characteristics and main success factors, the workshop participants evaluated their importance. The results show that the key is an efficient drivetrain with an intelligent, long lasting battery system, as well as an ICT platform and energy management system. The success of this will be measured by several factors, but lower operational costs and high safety standards appeared the most important.

The second session focused on the policy measures applied in the EU to support EVs, and the expected future scenarios for EV development thanks to the URBANIZED project. Policies were divided into financial incentives, regulatory and strategic measures, infrastructure, and awareness raising actions. All participants acknowledged that at least one of these existed in their country. Still, most respondents were dissatisfied with the policy design or its implementation, as the transport and logistics sector is far from decarbonised. Consumers were also thought to encounter specific barriers that hinder the transition towards electrification, and high costs remain the biggest issue.

The workshop concluded with an examination of stakeholders involved and their role in supporting EVs market penetration. As expected – local authorities, logistics actors and infrastructure providers play the most important parts, although vehicle manufacturers, technology providers and energy suppliers are also key within the EV ecosystem.

The next workshop will take place in 2022 and will help to concretise the legal, financial, technological, infrastructural, and social actions and milestones needed for the uptake of EVs in city logistics.

You can check the presentations here.

Workshop organisers
Elpida Xenou, Georgia Ayfantopoulou, Margarita Matsouliadou Margarita (CERTH)
Lorena Axinte, Ignacio Magallón, Caitlin Ball (Bax & Company)
Thijs Purnot (TNO)