In the EMOLSE 2020 research project, the possible uses of electrically powered trucks in road freight transport (heavy goods) are being investigated by the Electromobility and Renewable Energies Research Group (E² Team) at Fulda University of Applied Sciences.

Trucks are essential for the smooth supply of people with goods. However, trucks, which until now have mainly run on diesel fuel, also cause environmental pollution (e.g. emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), carcinogenic particles, nitrogen oxides (NO x), as well as noise emissions). In order to solve the conflict of goals between the smooth supply of goods and the protection of the environment, it is necessary to use alternatively powered commercial vehicles in logistics.

Compared to diesel vehicles, the e-truck causes no emissions locally and produces less noise when using electricity from renewable energy sources. These effects contribute to increasing the quality of life of people, especially in inner-city areas. In contrast to diesel vehicles, however, e-trucks are subject to logistical restrictions (including range, payload, charging times) and cause higher investment costs, which have so far inhibited the spread of e-trucks in logistics.

Within the research project, an e-truck (permissible total weight 18 tonnes) is being tested under everyday conditions at several Hessian haulage companies. Members of the E-Team from the departments of economics and electrical engineering and information technology are providing scientific support in order to examine the following key topics together with the haulage companies.