Electric engines as an alternative powertrain solution in the urban freight logistics industry
Sesterhenn, Marco (2023)
Sesterhenn, Marco
2023
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2023082925034
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2023082925034
Tiivistelmä
This thesis examines the possibilities and limitations of incorporating electric engines as an alternative powertrain solution in urban freight logistics. The research analyses their economic and environmental viability. The results of the research can be utilized by companies engaged in urban freight logistics in the European market, especially in Finland.
The secondary research based on the literature review included an overview of the status of electric vehicles in the urban freight industry, the impact of electric vehicle implementation on companies' daily operations, and a comprehensive cost and sustainability analysis comparing conventional and electric vehicles. The applicability of the theoretical framework was tested with the help of primary research, which was built around two case studies examining the adoption drivers and barriers of electric vehicles when integrated into commercial fleet. The research method used was qualitative as personal interviews with three Finnish representatives of two freight transportation companies were conducted in spring 2023.
The research findings indicate that the feasibility of electric vehicles depend on several factors. They are geographical orientation, business needs, and business models. Based on the research of this thesis, the author ́s conclusion is that a significant proportion of urban freight forwarding companies may still find implementing electric vehicles unattractive due to additional costs and more challenging vehicle characteristics compared to combustion engines.
The secondary research based on the literature review included an overview of the status of electric vehicles in the urban freight industry, the impact of electric vehicle implementation on companies' daily operations, and a comprehensive cost and sustainability analysis comparing conventional and electric vehicles. The applicability of the theoretical framework was tested with the help of primary research, which was built around two case studies examining the adoption drivers and barriers of electric vehicles when integrated into commercial fleet. The research method used was qualitative as personal interviews with three Finnish representatives of two freight transportation companies were conducted in spring 2023.
The research findings indicate that the feasibility of electric vehicles depend on several factors. They are geographical orientation, business needs, and business models. Based on the research of this thesis, the author ́s conclusion is that a significant proportion of urban freight forwarding companies may still find implementing electric vehicles unattractive due to additional costs and more challenging vehicle characteristics compared to combustion engines.