The aim of the “DRivE” project was to simplify the transition to environmentally friendly drive technologies in heavy goods transport and to overcome the associated hurdles. The focus was on the development of a data-based route planning system for trucks with alternative drive systems, which should guarantee transport companies the necessary planning security for the use of electric, hydrogen and LNG vehicles.

Project participants with a wide range of expertise

Under the leadership of the FIR at RWTH Aachen University, the PEM Chair at RWTH Aachen University, Maintrans Internationale Spedition, Hammer Road-Cargo, Mansio and ZeKju worked on the project alongside Park Your Truck. Each participant contributed their specific expertise in order to jointly develop a solution that meets the complex demands of modern freight transport.

Park Your Truck, Europe’s largest operator of truck parking spaces, played an important role in the project. Its task was to provide the necessary infrastructure for parking, refueling and loading facilities and to equip them with real-time monitoring and reservation systems. This expertise is crucial for the development of a comprehensive solution that takes into account not only route planning, but also the practical aspects of parking and charging.

Technical challenges with data-based route planning

One of the biggest hurdles in the project was access to real-time vehicle data such as battery charge status and energy consumption. The currently installed FMS (Fleet Management System) interface is currently unable to record or transmit this critical battery data. In addition, integrating the developed algorithm into the existing transport management systems of the haulage companies proved to be a complicated task.

„DRivE“ consortium draws positive conclusions

Despite these challenges, the “DRivE” consortium was able to achieve significant successes. The result is a web-based routing algorithm that links data on charging and refueling infrastructure with vehicle conditions and route characteristics in order to calculate optimal routes for trucks with alternative drive systems.

The functionality of the system was successfully demonstrated in a two-month pilot phase under real-life conditions. The outcome of the project is therefore extremely positive. Professor Achim Kampker from the PEM Chair at RWTH Aachen emphasizes:

  “Digital solutions that ensure efficiency and planning security can decisively advance electromobility in the commercial vehicle sector and increase the acceptance of alternative drive concepts among logistics companies and freight forwarders.”

The developed system has the potential to reduce the so-called “range anxiety” and thus pave the way for a broader acceptance and use of trucks with alternative drive systems.

The successful completion of the “DRivE” project marks an important milestone on the road to greener and more efficient freight transportation. Park Your Truck is proud to have been part of this pioneering initiative and will continue to drive innovative solutions to support the transformation of the logistics industry.