Digital platforms for sharing and booking electrical vehicle charging infrastructure

Abstract

Making road transport more sustainable is a vital part in reducing emissions, where the transition to electric freight vehicles (EFVs) are important. In this transition, there is a need for available electric vehicle charging infrastructure (EVCI). Many logistic companies are installing their own EVCI, which is primarily used during the night. This study explores how providers could share and users book charging on digital platforms for EFVs by conducting a qualitative study of a pilot project for sharing. The study shows that providers need financial incentive, available EVCI while not having charging as a primary business model. Users tend to have uncertainties about charging, avoid public charging, and would benefit from driver support. A digital platform enables a wide range of actors to participate, while providing payment solutions and vehicle identification. The study presents several sustainability drivers and barriers. Economic drivers include increased revenues, low-cost charging, and a possibility to invest in cheaper vehicles. Environmental drivers include improved usage, potentially fewer batteries, and supporting the sustainability transition. Social drivers include a community of sharing, easy comparison, and improving predictability. Economic barriers include limited demand, limited usage, and a lack of interest from the provider. Environmental barriers include the risk of under-utilization, overcapacity where many providers install EVCI, and the risk of stressing the grid when utilizing fast charging for large trucks. Social barriers include uncertainty about reliability, grid limitations, and a lack of trust of actors in the system.