Commercial Vehicle Study on Electromobility in Berlin

As part of this study, researchers from the RLI are examining measures to promote the use of battery-electric commercial vehicles in Berlin. The project team aims to identify the necessary steps to reduce CO2 emissions in commercial traffic and develop concrete recommendations for expanding the charging infrastructure.

Transition to Emission-Free Propulsion

Berlin is striving for climate neutrality by 2045, with decarbonizing the transport sector, particularly commercial traffic, playing a central role. To achieve this, commercial vehicles of various classes with conventional propulsion systems must be converted to emission-free drives.

Scenarios for the Use of Alternative Propulsion Systems

For the transformation of the transport sector to electric drives, it is essential to determine the total energy demand and the requirements for charging infrastructure. The project team will analyze the current and future charging needs and develop strategies for implementing the necessary infrastructure. Charging cases differ depending on the vehicle class and area of operation. For the study, the project team will develop scenarios for the market ramp-up of alternative propulsion systems and their energy requirements. They will use existing data and studies, as well as collect new data.

Various Vehicles and Charging Use Cases

The project team is focusing on vehicles in classes N2 and N3, used for transporting medium to heavy loads. These vehicles are vital for regional and interregional freight transport and require specialized charging facilities due to their high energy demands. Additionally, the researchers are also considering vehicle fleets in class N1, such as vans, and class M3 buses used in occasional transport. These vehicle types play a role in urban and rural transport and also have specific charging requirements.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

The project is being carried out in cooperation between the Öko-Institut and the Reiner Lemoine Institute, ensuring a wide range of expertise in the areas of transport, energy, and urban planning.

Project Duration: July to December 2024

Specification of Study ContentsIdentification of Berlin-specific usage profiles for commercial vehicle fleets

• Analysis of charging infrastructure requirements, differentiated by charging use cases
• Development of measures to support the expansion of the charging infrastructure
• Examination of potential collaboration opportunities with the state of Brandenburg

Framework Conditions and RequirementsRegulation and support/incentives for fleet conversion

• Coordination with the state of Brandenburg to consider commercial traffic between Berlin and Brandenburg
• Organization of workshops to align project results with the clients and relevant stakeholders