The first steps towards fleet electrification.

The first steps towards fleet electrification

De transportsector staat aan het begin van een ingrijpende transitie: de overstap van fossiele brandstoffen naar elektrisch vervoer. Deze ontwikkeling wordt gedreven door strengere milieuregels, groeiende maatschappelijke druk en de invoering van zero-emissie zones in steeds meer steden. Bedrijven in de logistiek kunnen niet achterblijven, maar de overstap roept vaak veel vragen op. Wat heb je nodig om te starten? Wat verandert er in je operatie? In dit blog bespreken we de eerste essentiële stappen richting een elektrisch wagenpark.

The shift from diesel to electric transport

The move to electric trucks goes beyond simply replacing a vehicle. It calls for a fundamental change in how businesses think and operate. Electric trucks have different operating profiles, especially over longer distances, as well as different charging times and maintenance needs. Supply is still limited for now, but manufacturers are rapidly expanding their electric model ranges. The first step is to look closely at operating profiles: which routes are suitable for electrification? In many cases, these are urban distribution routes or shuttle movements with predictable distances.

It is also important to compare Total Cost of Ownership, or TCO, carefully. Electric trucks are more expensive to buy, but they offer lower operating costs through cheaper energy, if managed well, lower maintenance needs, and exemptions from certain charges. In addition, some municipalities, such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam, offer extra subsidies on top of national schemes for the purchase of electric trucks.

Infrastructure: what do you need at a minimum?

Without charging infrastructure, there is no electric transport. For trucks, this is more complex than for passenger cars because of the higher charging power required. A private charging infrastructure starts with a charging connection on site, preferably with charging speeds between 50 kW and 150 kW.

It is also important to understand the grid capacity available at the location. In many cases, the existing grid connection is not sufficient to charge several trucks at the same time. Smart charging software and battery storage can then provide a practical answer, for example through peak shaving and peak boosting, where a battery temporarily supplies additional power alongside the regular grid connection. Charging time also needs to be aligned with operational planning. Does a truck charge overnight, between trips, or is fast charging required? This calls for a tailored approach to planning.

Subsidies and regulation for zero-emission zones

To help businesses move to electric transport, the SPRILA subsidy scheme was introduced: the Subsidy Scheme for Public and Regional Infrastructure for Logistics and Agricultural Transport. This scheme focuses specifically on the development of charging infrastructure for heavy logistics and agricultural transport on private sites. That makes SPRILA particularly relevant for logistics hubs or business parks that want to invest in smart charging solutions.

At the same time, regulation is becoming stricter. Since 2025, zero-emission zones have become a reality in many cities. Only zero-emission vehicles are allowed to carry out inner-city deliveries there. By investing in infrastructure now, businesses can avoid being limited in the future.

The impact on logistics planning and operations

Electric transport changes the way businesses plan and operate. Charging time becomes a factor in route planning, while driving range and charging locations also need to be built into day-to-day operations. Where diesel vehicles can refuel quickly and easily, electric charging requires more coordination.

A phased approach helps here. For example, start with one or a small number of vehicles on a fixed route and scale up from there. In this way, businesses build experience without having to redesign the entire operation at once.

Electrification is not a simple challenge, but with the right preparation and the right steps, it is certainly achievable. By investing now in knowledge, infrastructure, and operating profiles, businesses can put themselves in a stronger position in a transport sector that is becoming more tightly regulated every year.

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