City logistics: light and electric

In this series of publications, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (AUAS) Faculty of Technology presents the results of applied research. The series is aimed at professionals and unlocks the knowledge and expertise gained through practical research carried out by AUAS in the Amsterdam metropolitan area. This publication provides readers with the tools to achieve improvement and innovation in the engineering sector.

This publication presents the results of the LEFV-LOGIC project: a two-year research into the use of light electric freight vehicles for city logistics. In this project Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences and HAN University of Applied Sciences, together with logistics operators, shippers, vehicle suppliers, network organisations, knowledge institutions and municipalities have developed new knowledge about logistics concepts and business models for the deployment of LEFVs.

A LEFV is a bike, moped or compact vehicle with electric assistance or drive mechanism, designed for the distribution of goods in public space with limited speed. LEFVs are quiet, agile and emission-free and take up less space than conventional vans and trucks. LEFV-LOGIC project partners share an ambition to contribute to regional, national and European objectives to organise urban freight transport in a quieter, cleaner and more efficient way.

LEFV-LOGIC started in 2016 from a question of logistics service from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) which want to use LEFVs, but did not know how to do so profitably. The logistics processes in the chain are particularly suited to the use of vans and trucks. In addition, it was not sufficiently clear which city logistical flows and market propositions LEFVs are suitable for, which technical requirements should be met, and which policy measures influence the use of LEFVs.

LEFV-LOGIC project partners have worked together on:
● Exploring the potential of LEFVs for city logistics flows (Chapter 2)
● The design of new logistics concepts for LEFVs (Chapter 3)
● Technical designs of and modifications to LEFVs (Chapter 4)
● Policy around LEFVs (Chapter 5)
● Research on scalable business models involving LEFVs (Chapter 6)
● Practical experiments with new LEFV concepts