Battery Electric Light Commercial Vehicles (BE-LCVs) can reduce the environmental impacts of Craftsmen and Service (C&S) Enterprises transportation, according to a new study by Erik Figenbaum in Norway. These Enterprises produce vital services, using diesel vehicles for transportation of personnel, tools and materials to worksites, thus contributing to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Reorganize transportation activities
Enterprises that started using BE-LCVs report practical range challenges leading to a need to reorganize their transportation activities. The driving pattern of 7 C&S enterprises operating 115 vehicles, were logged over two weeks.
The potential of using BE-LCVs can be evaluated by combining the real range of BE-LCVs in Norway, with these driving patterns. Although 42% of diesel LCVs (D-LCVs) could be replaceable by BE-LCVs with a range of 170 km. Many covered so short daily distances that the transport work would only be reduced by 13%.
The number of electric vehicles can increase by redistributing vehicle assignments, daytime charging, or with longer range BE-LCVs. If all year range increases to 200 km, then almost all vehicles are potentially replaceable.
Purchase incentives
Purchase incentives are required to unlock the potential, but may, not produce large effects until the range improves. BE-LCVs with 50% longer range enter the market in 2018, which should expand the market potential.
You can read the full report here.
Source: Erik Figenbaum