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MAGPIE Green trucking demo

Battery-electric trucks and smart charging solutions reduce emissions and improve efficiency for short- and medium-distance port transport. This is demo 9 within the MAGPIE project.

Electrification

Introduction

Electric trucking in port logistics aims to replace diesel trucks with battery-electric alternatives for short- and medium-distance freight transport. This demonstration evaluates the practical use of electric trucks, including charging infrastructure and operational integration. Charging is a key component, with hands-free and automated solutions improving efficiency. This factsheet outlines the value proposition, applicability, technical solution, and implementation roadmap for electric trucking in and around ports.

Value proposition

  • Enables clean driving with lower emissions.

  • Operational cost of electric driving is lower.

  • CAPEX is much higher, OPEX much lower (especially if private charging is possible). Break-even point depends on distance driven.

  • Already available and being tested in practice.

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Port applicability

• Large Container Ports/Hub Ports: Highly applicable due to high truck volumes and emissions. Need for charging infrastructure. • Ferry Terminals: Applicable if short-haul trucking is common. • Industrial Ports: Applicable where logistics rely on road transport. • Smaller/Regional Ports: Applicable if charging infrastructure is available.[Jv1.1][FK1.2] • Other: Relevant for any port with road-based freight and electrification goals.

Detailed description of the solution

  • Electric Trucks

    Replace diesel trucks for port and hinterland transport.

  • Charging Infrastructure

  • Operational Integration

    Daily trip range of 200–300 km with mid-day charging.

  • Infrastructure

    Charging points and grid capacity are key limitations.

Impact

Impact level per aspect
ImpactLevelRemark
Energy EfficiencyMedium impact
Improved through electric propulsion.
GHG emissionsMedium impact
Reduced depending on electricity mix.
Pollutant emissionsMedium impact
Lower NOx emissions in port and city areas.[Jv4.1] More research is needed to assess the PM emissions.
Port CityMedium impact
Cleaner air and quieter operations.
Supports logistics optimization and emission reduction targets.Medium impact

Port characteristics

• Need: Charging infrastructure and grid capacity. • Affects: Port energy planning and logistics coordination.

Barriers and enablers

Enablers

  • Non-technologicalEnabler

    Social acceptance, operational readiness and targeted subsidies to accelerate implementation.

  • TechnologyEnabler

    Optimized logistics.

Barriers

  • Non-technologicalBarrier

    High upfront costs, charging costs, and infrastructure gaps.

  • TechnologyBarrier

    Charging infrastructure and range limitations.

How to implement?

  1. Step 1

    Targeted subsidies

  2. Step 2

    Infrastructure deployment

  3. Step 3

    Fleet conversion

  4. Step 4

    Operational integration

Implementation interdependencies

Coordination between fleet operators, energy providers, and port authorities.

Required involved stakeholders

  • Port Authority

    Coordinates infrastructure development, including charging stations and grid capacity planning. Supports policy alignment for electrification.

  • Terminal Operators

    Adapt operations to accommodate electric trucks, including scheduling, charging logistics, and turnaround optimization.

  • Shipping Lines

    Indirectly involved. Benefit from cleaner hinterland transport and improved environmental performance.

  • Fuel Suppliers/ Distributors

    Affected by the shift from diesel to electricity. May explore diversification into energy services.

  • Bunkering Service Providers

    Not directly involved unless transitioning to electricity-based services.

  • Technology Providers

    Develop electric trucks, charging hardware, and software for fleet and energy management.

  • Engineering & Construction Firms

    Install and maintain charging infrastructure, grid connections, and depot upgrades.

  • Classification Societies

    Certify safety and compliance of electric vehicle systems and charging installations.

  • National & International Regulators

    Set standards for vehicle emissions, charging infrastructure, and energy use in logistics.

  • Financial Institutions/Investors

    Fund vehicle procurement, infrastructure deployment, and energy system upgrades.

  • Research & Development Institutions

    Analyze operational performance, emissions impact, and infrastructure optimization.

  • Local Government & Community Groups

    Support clean air initiatives and engage in planning for reduced urban emissions and noise.

  • Workforce Representatives/Unions

    Address training needs, safety protocols, and operational changes related to electric vehicle adoption.

Knowledge base and references