The EU-funded NextETRUCK project (efficient and affordable Zero Emission logistics through the Next generation of Electric TRUCKs) provides a sustainable solution to bring zero-emission electric medium freight haulage. The project, which is running from 1 July 2022 until 31 December 2025, plays a pioneering role in the decarbonisation of vehicle fleets and accelerating sustainable market replenishment. The consortium, under the project coordinator of TNO, includes research organisations, business strategists, technology companies, vehicle and component manufacturers, and associations, which work together to advance zero-emission freight vehicles for (peri-)urban use.
Based on the expertise of participating IoT and ITS service providers, vehicle- and component manufacturers, combined with academic and research institutions, as well as international networks, the NextETRUCK project aims to accelerate the development and uptake of battery-electric trucks, as the project consortium seeks to:
In order to achieve its objectives, NextETRUCK will develop three pilot sites in the United Kingdom, Istanbul (Turkey), and Barcelona (Spain) to execute real-world tests of battery-electric trucks in (peri-)urban environments over the period of (at least) six months. Even though the rea-world tests have not started by the time of TRA 2024, the scope and plans of the three pilots can be outlined:
A TEVVA truck operates in Southeast England, covering a mix of urban and rural areas within the London region. The use case is designed to handle a daily range of 200km, tackling diverse traffic conditions, weather and road infrastructure. The pilot aims to support customers’ daily operations, offering after-care and development support. It also addresses London’s upcoming zero-emission zone by offering a cost-effective alternative to current diesel trucks. Overnight AC charging analyses factors like electricity prices, power capacity and external constraints to create efficient charging plans that ensure each truck is fully charged for its next day’s route.
The use case will demonstrate the integration of developed vehicles in a fleet of waste collection vehicles/vehicle parks. A fully operational zero-emission truck be integrated in the local waste collection fleet, which will help to demonstrate smart and fast charging system, smart IoT system, connectivity, and connected fleet management with accurate range estimation. Additionally, tests will include a new body work to reduce noise emissions, as well as tests of new components to enhance repairability due to a new modular design. These and other solutions will be tested during regular 200km electric range scalability demonstrations in the historic city centre.
The objective of Ford-Otosan, as the Turkish pilot leader, is to upgrade the truck fleet in Istanbul from a diesel-based powertrain to an electric powertrain. Tests will take place in a peri-urban setup in which the test vehicles will drive between depots and factories of Ford-Otosan. The pilot will test intelligent thermal management systems in order to reduce load and energy usage for climate control and battery cooling. Furthermore, digital eco-routing strategies and DC charging will be tested in the surrounding areas of the Turkish capital.
Even though the vehicles and real-world tests are not (yet) fully defined, one can say that NextETRUCK will promote the development and deployment of medium-sized electric trucks for peri-urban areas, by testing physical and digital solutions and vehicle specificities to reduce the total cost of ownership, further develop fast-charging solutions for electric trucks and enhance the battery range and overall comfort of the vehicle through novel thermal management systems.
Find out more at:
NextETRUCKS | The Next generation of Electric TRUCK
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NextETRUCK has received funding from the European Union Horizon Innovation Actions programme under grant agreement No 101056740. The UK participants in this project are co-funded by the UK. |