Abstract:

Norway’s National Transport Plan for 2018–2029 sets ambitious targets for the introduction of zero-emission commercial vehicles as a means to fulfill CO2 reduction objectives towards 2030. By 2025, all new lighter vans are required to be zero-emission vehicles. The aim of the present paper was to identify and present experiences gained by pilots with BE-trucks in Norway so far. This paper presents experiences from pilot-projects with battery-electric trucks in Norway, focusing on purchasing processes, technology, vehicle choices, user experience and various performance aspects. Furthermore, this paper discuss the electrification potential for battery-electric trucks and compare their total costs of ownership and associated socio-economic costs with internal combustion engine (ICE) trucks for a range of technological maturity scenarios. The results show that experiences have generally been positive but tailoring of use patterns is often required.  Furthermore, at their current maturity level, battery-electric trucks could, to some extent, replace typical use of Norwegian ICE trucks, depending on the situation. In terms of costs, the authors expect that battery-electric light distribution trucks will first become competitive with ICE trucks when technology reaches mass production. If a transition to electric heavy-duty transport is to be made, charging infrastructure must be further developed. The findings of this study suggest that there might be a growing potential for electrification of commercial vehicles in Norway. Incentive schemes, charging solutions, policy facilitation, and technological developments will remain to be important aspects for zero-emission adoptions, and also crucial for creating demand to speed up the manufacturers’ start-up of series productions, in the years to come.