Abstract

The road transport system is moving, slowly but surely, away from using fossil fuels. Plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) are an energy-efficient alternative to conventional vehicles. Commercial vehicle fleets are an attractive entry for PEVa into the transport system. This paper presents findings from a three-year study of 550 PEVs and their users. A combination of technical and social science methods provides a basis for greater understanding of PEV operations in commercial vehicle fleets. This paper shows that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have proven their functionality in several applications, but that winter conditions still imply an unjustified decrease in use. Usage varies according to application but results show that in general a substantial share of the battery capacity is redundant. Findings indicate that usage is not necessarily inhibited by the technical specifications of the battery but by the operational conditions in which commercial duties are performed. The only reliable alternative is to return with a large battery surplus. The vehicles studied have demonstrated their functionality and the users are positive. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) imply no restrictions in mobility, which results in high user satisfaction. Commercial vehicle fleets are suitable for PEV operations and with growing acceptance users have requested more PEVs hence a significant possibility exists to substitute a large share of the fossil-fuelled vehicles operating in commercial vehicle fleets.

Abstract

This paper reports about a case study conducted as part of the STAD project in regards to a demonstration with an automated vehicle in Japan. The demonstration was conducted in November 2017 in the Oku-Eigenji area (Japan). The ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) in collaboration with local government and local police authority organised and funded the demonstration. The goal of the demonstration was to introduce the people to the automated vehicle and to explore technical difficulties with the GPS signal in the mountainous area. Part of the route with low GPS signal was imbedded with MI sensor system magnetic markers. The MI sensor system proved to help the vehicle navigate in the area with low GPS signal. Surveys were conducted during the demonstration. In general the passengers are satisfied with the service the vehicle was providing and they would like to see permanent implementation of the vehicle in the near future.