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The competitiveness of electric trucks in multimodal networks: A case study of integration with inland waterways

Author

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  • Alarcón, Frank E.
  • Sauma, Enzo
  • Alias, Cyril

Abstract

Crucial steps towards sustainable transportation include reducing road transport and transitioning to electric vehicles. Inland waterway transport (IWT) can reduce road transport but has not yet integrated battery-electric trucks (BETs) into its network. This study aims to address this gap by evaluating the competitiveness of heavy-duty BETs within a multimodal concept in the West German canal network. The total cost of ownership (TCO) methodology results indicate that BETs can be competitive with diesel trucks depending on the distance traveled and the ownership period. The baseline scenario suggests that BETs become a more economical option than diesel trucks for daily distances exceeding 234 km, assuming a 9-year ownership period. The economic impacts of various scenarios are evaluated, including subsidies, maintenance contracts, resale values, tolls, recharge times, and CO2 emissions. The purchase cost of the truck is the most significant cost for the electric option, while the fuel cost is the main cost for the diesel option. Furthermore, the results indicate that BETs emit 56 % less greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than their diesel counterparts, and the decentralized IWT concept can decrease GHG emissions by 51 % through reduced road transport. The findings can provide decision-makers with a tool for efficiently allocating the type of truck to use according to their transport tasks.

Suggested Citation

  • Alarcón, Frank E. & Sauma, Enzo & Alias, Cyril, 2025. "The competitiveness of electric trucks in multimodal networks: A case study of integration with inland waterways," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 126(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jotrge:v:126:y:2025:i:c:s0966692325001437
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2025.104252
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