Every day, thousands of food bags, pharmacy goods, groceries and parcels are delivered around our cities. A new study conducted by VTI using one of Gordon's electric trucks shows that new electric trucks could be the solution for sustainable urban deliveries. But there are challenges.
There is an urgent need for fossil-free and efficient transport solutions in cities, and the electrification of light trucks could be a key strategy going forward. This is shown in the study ‘Fossil-free last mile deliveries in cities’ from VTI (the Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute), funded by the Swedish Transport Administration. A pilot study investigated how light electric trucks perform in real-world operations. The study was conducted in collaboration with Gordon, which delivers temperature-sensitive food and medicines in metropolitan areas on a daily basis. The results show that the new generation of electric trucks perform at least as well as diesel vehicles, despite high demands on range, number of stops and operation of refrigeration units.
"Our results show that the technology is now mature. With 4.25-tonne electric trucks, transport companies have the same conditions as with diesel, both in terms of load capacity and range. This makes the electrification of the last mile fully feasible today, even though there are some challenges that need to be solved," says Jessica Wehner, researcher at VTI.
New electric trucks in pilot study change the game
A pivotal factor is Sweden's introduction of a pilot scheme in 2024, which permits electric trucks weighing up to 4.25 tonnes to be driven with a category B driving licence. This means that larger batteries can be used without compromising cargo space. As part of the pilot study, one of Gordon's electric trucks was operated in Stockholm under the same conditions that would apply to a diesel truck, covering 70–90 kilometres per day with the cooling unit running. The result? The electric truck performed just as well in an urban environment as a diesel alternative. Furthermore, only around 30 per cent of the battery's capacity was utilised per shift. The study also showed that night charging at the terminal was sufficient. Another advantage was that drivers felt the electric truck significantly improved the working environment.
Clear gains – but also clear challenges
At the same time, the study highlights a number of structural obstacles that must be overcome in order for electrification to be scaled up in society.
"We want to be involved and contribute to this transition in every way we can. A prerequisite for this is long-term and predictable regulations. The trial scheme with B driving licences for light electric trucks needs to move from a temporary exemption to permanent regulations. Better electricity grid capacity is also needed to enable further expansion of charging stations at our distribution centres. Here, we want to see the authorities make long-term decisions that enable investment," says Ali Ghoce, CEO of Gordon.
Recommendations for success
VTI summarises several measures required to accelerate the transition:
- Long-term stable policy instruments
- Faster processes for electricity grid connection
- Expanded charging infrastructure at logistics hubs
- Increased knowledge of energy management and charging strategies
Download the full report here.
Get in touch for more information:
press@gordondonelivery.com
press@vti.se
Press photos
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VTI
About VTI:
VTI, the Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute, is an independent and internationally renowned research institute in the transport sector. VTI's main task is to conduct research and development in the areas of infrastructure, traffic and transport. VTI works to continuously improve knowledge about the transport sector and thus contributes to achieving Sweden's transport policy goals. VTI has offices in Linköping, Skellefteå, Stockholm, Gothenburg and Lund.
