Balancing and optimizing electric longdistance transportation within the E20 transport corridor

Abstract

Freight transport plays a crucial role in modern society, but it also accounts for approximately 50% of the transport sector's CO2 emissions. The freight transport sector needs to be more sustainable and an approach to reducing CO2 emissions in freight transport is the adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). While battery electric trucks are currently used in urban transport, their limited range, operational constraints and complex scheduling pose challenges for long haul truck transports. Volvo has implemented a green corridor concept operated by 6 BEV trucks. If this concept can be scaled up, it has the potential to demonstrate that long distance transport by electric trucks is both economically and environmentally sustainable. Given this context, this thesis aims to investigate and evaluate whether the green transport corridor along E20 can be scaled up considering existing infrastructure. In addition, the possibility of three shifts was examined. Furthermore, this thesis investigates how to increase volume in the corridor by horizontal collaboration and what requirements are needed to be a suitable partner in this concept. This thesis was carried out as a case study for Volvo. Three main questions were conducted which considered relevant topics with lacking previous comparable research. To conduct this study, a combination of semi structured interviews and observations was applied. In addition, primary data from Volvo has been used to analyze several important factors. The conclusion of this thesis is that nine BEV trucks on each side of the corridor represent the maximum number that can operate without infrastructure expansion. Moreover, recommendations and proposals were given to Volvo regarding what is required for three shifts to be theoretically feasible. Furthermore, it is concluded that the most critical criteria for collaboration are met. To enable horizontal collaboration, partner companies need to be able to transport their goods in a trailer, with relatively large and consistent volumes.