ASSURED workshop: Strategies & needs on EV fast charging infrastructure for urban freight

The ASSURED project aims at boosting the electrification of urban commercial vehicles and their integration with high power fast charging infrastructure. To achieve this, ASSURED will test six public transport buses, two garbage trucks, one delivery truck, and one light commercial delivery vehicle with automatic fast charging solutions. The goal is to charge different vehicles using the same infrastructure, which is what makes ASSURED so innovative. More information here: https://assured-project.eu/

The workshop took place back-to back with the EEVConvention on Policies and Best Practices (http://policies.eevc.eu/, Oslo, 25th of September),

The needs, views and strategies of local authorities, logistics operators, infrastructure operators and vehicle manufacturers are essential to define a shared vision on how to make cities cleaner through the electrification of all types of vehicles and solve the challenges linked with the deployment of the related (fast) charging infrastructure.

The workshop fostered the debate and exchange of visions and approaches between the different parties involved, in order to improve cooperation and mutual understanding and consequently define effective measures for a full-scale deployment of e-freight vehicles and an adequate charging infrastructure network.

The debate and exchange of visions and approaches between the different parties were aimed to:

• Improve cooperation and mutual understanding
• Discuss effective measures for a full-scale deployment
• Validate output of ASSURED Deliverable 2.1 - Specification of city & PT stakeholders strategies and needs (available on the right column)

Distinguished speakers presented their needs, experience and strategy, according to their typology (presentations available on the right column of this page):

• Local authorities: for the promotion of (commercial) electric vehicles and related (fast) charging infrastructure for urban freight
• Logistics operators: for the adoption of electric vehicles and usage of (fast) charging infrastructure for urban freight
• Manufacturers: for the design, production and full-scale deployment of (commercial) electric vehicles
• Infrastructure operators: for the implementation and management of (fast) charging infrastructure for urban freight

These inputs were framed in an active discussion focussing on the three main issues identified in ASSURED:

• Integration of electrification strategies into local plans
• Procurement, incentives and support
• Charging infrastructure

Main conclusions:

For local authorities, it is importand to closely work with logistics operators and stakeholders to understand and optimize the supply chain, and consequently implement the most effective solutions.

The observed trend of the number of vehicles circulating in cities tells that the number of private cars is decreasing, but the number of vans (and related congestion) is increading. This is due to two main factors:

• Ecommerce-related operations
• Lack of 2.5t-3.5t E-Freight Vehicles (EFVs)

In some countries (e.g. Spain), the majority of vehicles associated to big logistics operators is owned by sub-contractors. This aspect must be cosidered when location and usage of (fast) charging stations is planned and assessed.

Contrary to what happens with private users, tax incentives are not effective for professionals (they are often exempted anyway). Therefore, there is the need for other solutions, linked to:

• Stakeholder engagement
• Incentives
• Regulation

Regulation: polluter pays principle generally accepted by all the operators.

Cities generally face a trade-off when implementing e-mobility strategies: scarce space (off-street) vs visibility & promotion (on-street).

Matching charging infrastructure for goods and passenger flows is difficult. General vision: EFVs should be charged in the freight operators' depots (or at home in case the vehicle is owned by subcontractors). However, they should be able to use public fast charging infrastructure when necessary, as long as the technology does not eliminate the need for intermediate recharging, increasing the range of the batteries.

The next project developments should further take into account urban freight operators and their needs. Understanding how they move in the network or carry out deliveries/collection is key to identifying the types of charging infrastructure to be provided. Moreover, the role of charging service providers needs to be further emphasized.

However, each city is different! → Ad-hoc combination of measures is required for any e-mobility strategy to be effective. To facilitate their implementation, pilots and exchange of best practices are essential.

The workshop also featured a site visit of Oslo's EV charging infrastructure, including (see pictures attached):

• EV charging garages: Akershus Fortress, Vulkan (SEEV4-City project)
• EV charging stations: Vippetangen (e-buses), Skøyen (quick EV charging station, FREVUE project)