Inventory of charging needs for electrified logistics centers

Swedish domestic transports accounts for almost a third of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions. The Swedish parliament has therefore set the goal of reducing fossil emis- sions in the transport sector by 70 % in 2030. Electrical technology and biofuels are judged to be part of the solution to the emission problem of heavy trucks in the transport sector. A system perspective is needed for a successful electrified conversion of heavy trucks. A charging infrastructure needs to be installed for stationary charging that covers the ve- hicle owners’ logistics needs, while trying to minimize delivery delays. Charging methods such as depot charging, semi-public charging and public charging are solutions that can benefit the fossil-free conversion and at the same time maintain a relatively unchanged logistics pattern. The incentives for a fossil-free transport sector indicate that more and more vehicle ow- ners will install and optimize charging infrastructures for electric trucks in connection with depots or transshipment terminals. Consequently, electricity network loads are ex- pected to increase in connection with the forthcoming electrification changeover, which creates new challenges for the electricity network. It is important for Vattenfall Eldistri- bution to forecast future power needs in connection with electrified logistics centers. The purpose of the present work is therefore to investigate how the logistics center for heavy transport will be electrified. An inventory of requirements has been carried out with selected participants in the trans- port sector, who are involved in various ways in the sustainable conversion of both vehicles and charging infrastructure. Simulation models have also been developed in MATLAB to investigate and exemplify future power needs. Conclusions from the interview compilation are that it is a lack of resources within in- frastructure for stationary charging and financial conditions that limit the transport com- panies’ development towards electrification of heavy transports. Shorter lead times for electricity network expansion and mapping of energy resources from electricity network companies can be helpful methods for promoting the conversion. Power reduction tech- niques will be a key element in reducing costs. Investment subsidies for new purchases of heavy electric vehicles are currently not sufficiently advantageous. Smaller hauliers with poorer economic conditions will be particularly dependent on TCO and therefore new reforms are called for. A similar situation also applies to incentives for charging infrastructure. Conclusions from the model simulation are that it will be necessary to strengthen the electricity network construction. Based on today’s already existing power needs, up to ten times more strengthening may be needed under worst conditions. The introduction of local storage and possible generating is therefore of high interest to the property owners of the logistics centers. Future booking systems are likely and it is also said that relocation of charging times will be sought after for the purpose of power peak reduction.