Abstract:

The transport sector is indicated as one of the main emitters of greenhouse gases. Freight transport plays a significant role in this context. City users gladly apply comfortable and time-saving e-commerce solutions as an alternative to a traditional purchase. The present pandemic crisis made this issue even more critical. It significantly increased the number of transport operations within the city area, as each order has to be delivered directly to the purchaser. Consequently, city authorities are confronted with a significant challenge: how to fulfill city users' expectations and needs in the context of transport system functioning to reduce the negative impacts of urban freight transport in terms of safety, air pollution, or noise. This is one of the most important elements of social sustainability in cities. One of the solutions that help reduce the negative environmental impacts of urban freight transport is using vehicles that produce less air pollution, such as electric vans. It proved to be very effective in decreasing transportation footprint by reducing local emissions of e.g. PM or NOx. However, one of the key limitations is the potential short driving range of such vehicles, which results from the battery capacity and charging infrastructure availability. In recent years, some analyses related to that issue have been made. Nevertheless, the studies have taken into account passenger cars only. This paper presents the results of the research study aimed at verifying electric vans energy efficiency in real-life conditions, i.e. when delivering courier consignments. The electric van used for the experiment was Nissan eNV200. This paper fulfils the important knowledge gap and could be helpful from both theoretical and practical perspectives. It should be emphasised that the experiment was carried out in real-life conditions, i.e. in the course of performing business processes in one of the worldwide known CEP companies. The research study was carried out under the EUFAL international project, funded under the Electric Mobility Europe programme. The research results showed the high potential of electric vehicles and the usefulness of electromobility in last-mile deliveries. The business partner of the research is now on the stage of electric freight vehicles implementation into vehicles fleets. The findings presented in this study may be useful to logistics operators, post operators, and other CEP market stakeholders. It can aid in the establishment of sustainable last-mile delivery systems by assisting in the upgrading of vehicle fleets. These findings may also be helpful to city decision-makers as they develop Sustainable Urban Logistics Plans.