Tuesday, September 10th, 2024
The transition to electrified, zero-emission heavy transport is no longer a distant vision, but an emerging reality. The REEL project, a national initiative led by Swedish innovation leaders, including ALICE’s member CLOSER, is at the forefront of this transformation. Supported by extensive cross-sector collaboration, the project aims to change the landscape of regional logistics flows and pave the way for a sustainable and efficient transport future.
Collaborative approach to electrification
At the core of REEL’s success is its extensive network of partners, ranging from transport buyers and freight forwarders to electricity grid operators and academic institutions. This multi-stakeholder collaboration ensures that all aspects of the electrification process are addressed, from the development of cutting-edge technologies to the creation of supportive business models and regulatory frameworks.
The project, coordinated by CLOSER, involves key players such as Volvo, Scania, a large amount of haulage companies and transport buyers across Sweden and several universities, including Lund University and Chalmers University of Technology. Together, these partners are demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of electrified transport through real-life applications in some 70 different regional logistics flows. These flows cover a wide range of driving tasks, demonstrating the versatility and scalability of electric vehicles in heavy-duty transport.
Insights from REEL’s real-life demonstrations
One of the features of REEL is its commitment to practical, real-world demonstrations. These have not only proven the technical viability of heavy-duty electric vehicles but have also provided critical insights into the operational and economic aspects of such a transition. One of the key outcomes has been the development of a Total Cost of Operation (TCO) calculation template, a tool to help partners assess the financial implications of electrification.
In addition, the project has fostered new business collaborations between the participating partners, adding to the momentum for wider adoption of electric heavy-duty vehicles. These collaborations underline the importance of sharing knowledge and resources to overcome the challenges associated with the transition to electrified transport.
Addressing the challenges of electrification
The transition to electrified heavy-duty transport is not without its challenges. One of these is the development of a robust charging infrastructure. The REEL project has highlighted the importance of establishing well-functioning charging facilities, not only in public areas, but also at key operational points. For example, dedicated charging infrastructure at a haulier’s own terminal or at a customer’s terminal during loading and unloading is critical to ensure seamless operations. These solutions are necessary to meet the demands of logistics, where downtime and delays need to be minimised.
Beyond infrastructure, the project has identified several other priority development areas that require collective action and innovation. These include refining business models to reflect new operational realities and updating regulations to support and accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles.
REEL’s partners are actively working on joint proposals and solutions in these areas, with the aim of creating a supportive environment for Sweden’s logistics sector to fully embrace electrification. The insights gained from the project’s numerous participants – ranging from regional authorities to logistics service providers – are essential in shaping these proposals.
More than just a research initiative, REEL is a catalyst for change in the logistics sector. By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders and focusing on practical, scalable solutions, REEL is setting the stage for a future where electrified, zero-emission heavy transport is the norm rather than the exception.