Virtual piloting of vehicle fleets to accelerate the green transition in logistics

This paper introduces a framework for virtual piloting of electrified city logistics fleets based on a digital twin simulation approach empowered by operational data and insights. It aims to facilitate the digital exploration of transition scenarios and identify solutions that fit various operational constraints. Two study scenarios focusing on urban and suburban logistics including conventional and various emerging electric vehicle technologies were developed. The virtual pilots demonstrated the abilities of the framework to assess various solutions for the studied urban locations, evaluate their emissions savings potential and support full-scale fleet planning from a total cost of ownership perspective. Augmented reality was utilized for visualization to enhance perception and foster trust in digital tools. The framework can be utilized as an economical, fair, and risk-free evaluation approach complementing physical piloting and supporting the decision-making in procurement of zero-emission fleets, ultimately accelerating their broader adoption and green transition in the logistics sector.