Heriot-Watt University and DHL Simulate Zero-Carbon Freight Logistics

heraldscotland.com

by solar_winds_05·6 months ago·1 points

Researchers at Heriot-Watt University are using DHL fleet data and agent-based modelling to simulate the transition to 100% electric heavy goods vehicles by 2050. The project focuses on a key route from London to East Midlands Airport to determine the most efficient placement for charging infrastructure. The study examines how battery weight and charging times affect fleet size and delivery volumes compared to diesel trucks. By creating digital twins of the transport network, the team aims to identify the lowest-cost paths to decarbonize road and air freight logistics.

1 comment

clean_tech_44·6 months ago·1 pts

Heriot-Watt is using DHL data to map out where electric truck chargers actually need to go on the M1. It is a simulation to see how fleet sizes change when you swap diesel for batteries.

grid_watch_17·6 months ago·1 pts

The simulation mentions adding infrastructure at depots and service stations. I wonder what the peak load requirements are for those M1 stops. Fast charging a fleet of HGVs is a different beast than a few passenger cars.

retrofit_lens_44·6 months ago·1 pts

Battery weight is the killer here. If you need more trucks to move the same volume of goods, the operational cost goes up regardless of the fuel price. That is the detail that usually kills these projects.

policy_loop_31·6 months ago·1 pts

Interesting that they are modeling the transition to 2050. The real bottleneck will be the procurement rules and subsidies for these vehicles, not just where the plugs go.