City logistics: light and electric
Publication - August 2018
This publication presents the results of the LEFV-LOGIC project: a two-year research into the use of light electric freight vehicles for city logistics. In this project Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences and HAN University of Applied Sciences, together with logistics operators, shippers, vehicle suppliers, network organisations, knowledge institutions and municipalities have developed new knowledge about logistics concepts and business models for the deployment of LEFVs.
What is a LEFV?
A LEFV is a bike, moped, or compact vehicle with electric assistance or a drive mechanism, designed for the distribution of goods in public spaces with limited speed. LEFVs are quiet, agile, emission-free, and take up less space than conventional vans and trucks. LEFV-LOGIC project partners share the ambition to contribute to regional, national, and European objectives to organize urban freight transport in a quieter, cleaner, and more efficient way.
The Origins of LEFV-LOGIC
LEFV-LOGIC started in 2016 in response to a question from logistics service providers, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which wanted to use LEFVs but did not know how to do so profitably. The logistics processes in the supply chain were particularly suited to the use of vans and trucks. Additionally, it was not clear which city logistics flows and market propositions LEFVs are suitable for, which technical requirements should be met, and which policy measures influence the use of LEFVs.
Key Areas of Research
LEFV-LOGIC project partners have worked together on:
- Exploring the potential of LEFVs for city logistics flows (Chapter 2)
- Designing new logistics concepts for LEFVs (Chapter 3)
- Technical designs and modifications to LEFVs (Chapter 4)
- Policy around LEFVs (Chapter 5)
- Research on scalable business models involving LEFVs (Chapter 6)
- Practical experiments with new LEFV concepts
Authors
- Walther Ploos van Amstel
- Susanne Balm
- Jos Warmerdam
- Martin Boerema
- Martijn Altenburg
- Frank Rieck
- Toin Peters
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.