INTEGRATION OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES INTO FREIGHT ROAD TRANSPORT: CHALLENGES AND SELECTION CRITERIA

Abstract

In the rapidly developing and dynamically changing global logistics sector, freight transport businesses are increasingly investing in the renewal of vehicles used in daily freight operations. This trend is particularly evident in the segment of road freight transport. Business organizations involved in freight transportation by trucks are not only allocating relatively large investments for the regular renewal of their vehicle fleets, but also increasingly opting for transport powered by alternative energy sources, in response to tightening environmental standards.

Electric vehicles are gradually becoming one of the most popular modern choices for road freight transport. Their integration into freight trucking operations significantly reduces pollutant gas emissions typical of freight transport activities and helps optimize the daily operational costs of trucks. However, the integration of modern electric vehicles into road freight transport also faces specific challenges. A detailed analysis of these challenges enables logistics business owners to better assess the advantages and disadvantages of electric vehicles when integrating them into long-distance freight transport. This article aims to explore the essential challenges of integrating electric vehicles into the freight truck transport segment and to present scientifically grounded criteria for evaluation of electric trucks, which will enable a more efficient selection process when incorporating electric trucks into standard freight transportation activities.