The potential of light electric vehicles for specific freight flows
Publication - June 2017
The number of light commercial vehicles in cities is growing, which puts increasing pressure on the liveability of cities. Light electric freight vehicles (LEFV) and cargo bikes can offer a solution, as they occupy less space, are easily manoeuvrable, and do not emit tailpipe pollutants. This paper presents the results from the first half-year of the LEVV-LOGIC project (2016-2018), aimed at exploring the potential of LEFVs for various urban freight flows.
Potential for Urban Freight Flows
Delivery characteristics, trends, practical examples, and expert judgement are combined to assess the potential of LEFVs for seven major urban freight flows. The preliminary analysis concludes that every urban freight flow has a certain level of potential for using LEFVs. Parcel and food deliveries show particularly high potential. Deliveries related to services and the last phase of construction work also have good potential for being switched to LEFV.
Lower Potential Areas
In comparison, non-food deliveries to retail establishments and the collection of waste have less potential for LEFV use. However, this may change if recycling standards become higher.
Authors
- Susanne Balm
- Ewoud Moolenburgh
- Nilesh Anand
- Walther Ploos van Amstel
City Logistics research group
Clean and sustainable cities are attractive places in which to live, work and invest. At the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, the City Logistics research group is conducting practice-oriented research into opportunities for smart and clean city logistics.