Europe is on a mission to become the first CO2-neutral continent by 2050, a key goal of the “Green Deal.” The transport sector, a significant contributor to emissions, is under the spotlight for transformation. Leading the charge is the electrification of vehicles, with the EU-funded “ZEFES” project (Zero Emissions flexible vehicle platforms with modular powertrains serving the long-haul Freight Eco System) pioneering this change.
A partner in this project, Gruber Logistics, has started real-world data collection to understand the current dynamics of long-distance heavy goods transport. The methodology involves analysing how frequently vehicles stop, brake, and the speeds they reach on various segments of their routes. This data is to gain an understanding for assessing the feasibility and performance of future fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).
The ZEFES project involves a collaboration of 40 partners from 14 nations, supported by a budget of nearly €40 million (c.£34m). Together, they are conducting extensive tests with both battery electric trucks and FCEVs. Since February 2024, Gruber Logistics has focused on a specific route from Verona to southern Germany via the Brenner Pass, using diesel vehicles to establish a performance baseline before deploying FCEVs.
In collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute, which has developed a data collection device and API, as well as companies, RICARDO, TNO, and Scania, Gruber Logistics is aiming to ensure high-precision data analysis. This setup also aims to capture data in fractions of a second, offering higher quality compared to traditional methods reliant on fleet management systems or mobile communications.
The outcomes of this data collection reportedly will not only help evaluate the real-world practicality of FCEVs but also promote wider acceptance of zero-emission vehicles.
The ZEFES project, initiated in January 2023 and running until 2026, aims to revolutionise logistics through the use of modular vehicles.
These innovations promise cost savings and new business opportunities for logistics companies. Gruber Logistics, in partnership with Scania, will utilise the data collected to refine prototypes already in operation and inform future developments.
Martin Gruber, managing director of Gruber Logistics, said: “Gruber Logistics is pursuing a sustainable, future-orientated strategy. We are convinced that the entire transport sector will and must move in this direction, and we want to help drive this development forward.
“ZEFES shows a new paradigm where transport companies are not just a final user but are called to be co-designers of new electric and hydrogen vehicles. To optimise such vehicles, we need new logistics models, therefore it is necessary that the vehicles are designed in relation to new utilisation. We need a different kind of logistics.”
