Heavy transport: via biofuels to hybrid future
When it comes to making heavy transport more sustainable, it goes without saying that there are many challenges involved. This causes reluctance among transport companies, but according to DKV Mobility, standing still is not an option. That is why the company outlines four trends for 2025 and beyond that can be anticipated.
The main choice DKV Mobility sees for heavy transport is between continuing to rely on diesel or going for new forms of technology and propulsion. Alternatives are increasingly available, but they all have their snags. Managing director Benelux Amanda Rasch of DKV Mobility therefore reviews four trends for the coming years.
Biofuels
In the short term, biofuels like HVO100 should make the difference. With these, a quick and efficient step can be taken in reducing one’s own harmful emissions, as they do not require major modifications to vehicles and infrastructure. With the introduction of the tightened Euro 7 standard, the biofuel trend as an intermediate step in making heavy transport more sustainable will only grow in strength, DKV expects.
Preparing for charging infrastructure challenges
Although sales and use of electric trucks are increasing, the great leap forward is not yet in sight. That leap is going to demand a lot from the already congestion-ridden power grid in the Netherlands. Although large investments in truck charging points will not be necessary by 2025, according to Rasch, this tightness on the grid does make it necessary to already be working on the period after that.“By engaging with grid operators now, companies can avoid future delays. This will ensure that when demand for electric trucks increases, sufficient charging capacity will be available.”
Hybrid future
Many (transport) entrepreneurs cite hydrogen as a solution for the transport of the future. But the development lingers a bit, which means there are still few refuelling locations and demand for (still very expensive) hydrogen trucks is struggling to take off. Rasch says that a hybrid future scenario is increasingly being outlined, with electric trucks for the shorter trips and hydrogen for the longer work.“The trend is becoming increasingly clear: while electrification will continue to gain ground in 2025, the basis for (green) hydrogen will be laid for wider adoption in the years after.”
Increasingly embracing
The fourth trend DKV Mobility discusses is that of smart solutions. This involves innovations such as ‘connected transport corridors’ that will play a bigger role in the transport sector. “This solution, where trucks drive in convoy and communicate with traffic lights for priority, is being rolled out in more cities and at logistics hubs.” Amanda Rasch expects that by 2025,“more and more regions will embrace such solutions as part of their strategy for more efficient and sustainable transport.” She concludes by stressing that 2025 will be a year of choices for those who want to stay connected. “A good resolution: start pre-sorting, even if investing now is challenging.”
