NEW CO-OPERATIVE SYSTEM USING ELECTRIC VANS FOR URBAN FREIGHT TRANSPORT

Abstract

This paper presents a new concept of cooperative use of electric vans for urban freight transportation. The main idea of the system is that an organization provides some electric vans at various public parking places to be used cooperatively by many companies. Tests have been conducted in the central area of Osaka, Japan, using 28 electric vans equipped with advanced information systems with the participating 79 voluntary companies. The test system has been in operation without any serious trouble.