Electric freight vehicles in city logistics

Insights from Frontrunner Companies

Research about the diffusion of innovations and the market of EFV shows that frontrunner companies with an innovative or early adopting mindset are adopting (or willing to adopt) EFV. An increase in demand for EFV by such companies can help take a step forward towards mass production of EFV and eventually reduce the purchase cost of EFV.

The main objective of this paper is to gain insights into the decision-making attributes of frontrunner companies. A qualitative approach was used, and 14 interviews were conducted among frontrunner companies delivering goods in the city of Amsterdam.

Motivated by Socially or Environmentally Effects

Results show that innovators and early adopters are all motivated by socially or environmentally positive effects of EFV. Strategic motives played a role for all companies that had already adopted EFV. All companies wanted to adopt EFV, but technical limitations, due to special requirements for the goods transported, were a reason not to adopt EFV.

Practical Application

By gaining insights into the preferences of frontrunner companies, (local) authorities can adjust their policy, schemes, and sustainability campaigns to attract more companies to adopt EFV. Manufacturing companies can use the insights from this research to adapt their vehicle technology to meet the needs of potential customers and increase the adoption rate.

Authors

• M. Altenburg
• N. Arnand
• Susanne Balm
• Walther Ploos van Amstel