Electromobility for City Logistics–The Solution to Urban Transport Collapse? An Analysis Beyond Theory

Abstract

Congestion within cities is a major problem of urban transport already, yet further traffic augmentation is expected over the coming years. Especially the distribution of goods within cities is responsible for a high percentage of emissions and noise of the overall emissions in towns. Furthermore, and in line with its Whitebook for Transport, the EU aims for achieving almost CO2-emission free city logistics by 2030. Electromobility is considered as one of the technologies that shall contribute to the realisation of this target. Yet little is known about user needs and user acceptance in regards to electromobility for city logistics. It is the aim of this research to contribute to closing this gap as it is essential for a successful introduction of electromobility for city logistics. As methodology empirical research is applied with a focus on the assessment of user behaviour, expectations and needs. Furthermore, whereas up to now most projects related to electromobility for city logistics are based on round-table deployment, this research is based on a multiple agent approach: By the use of extensive interviews, an in-depth analysis of user needs, user expectations and user acceptance of drivers of vehicles, purchasers of vehicles and customers of city logistics will be possible. The findings of this reflect current limitations of electromobility for city logistics. Furthermore, the findings contribute to support governments in developing steering tools for the use of alternative energies for vehicles.