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Ceva and partners launch low-carbon truck concept

[ December 7, 2023   //   ]

Ceva Logistics, together with its partners in the European Clean Transport Network (ECTN) Alliance, energy group ENGIE, and French motorway operator SANEF, have launched a low-carbon road transport proof of concept.

First announced in March, the pilot program covers a distance of more than 900km between Avignon and Lille, aiming to demonstrate the ECTN concept of terminals for low-carbon truck refuelling and trailer exchange.

Relay stations are equipped with electric charging stations and bioCNG refueling pumps  where, trailers are disconnected and reconnected to a new tractor unit and driver for the next segment.

The test route between Avignon and Lille is divided into four segments. Each truck completes two round trips per day between two relay stations.

The partners say the concept also contributes to improving working conditions for truck drivers by reducing the distance travelled between home and work.

The operation will start with four bioGNC trucks operated by FDE Transports and will gradually expand to include 16 trucks, including 12 electric vehicles. Ultimately, the program aims to have 16 semi-trailers operating the network five days a week.

Ceva has established relay stations at its Avignon, Lyon, Dijon, and Lille branches and has set up a control tower in Valenciennes to supervise cargo flows, monitor transit times and energy consumption. ENGIE is installing and operating electric charging stations and biogas distribution pumps while SANEF is hosting a relay station at its Sommesous service area.

Intermarché Food Logistics and Heineken are among the companies that are participating in the trial.

The scheme is open new transport partners and shippers.

Processes and software tools will be developed and improved to transmit low-carbon traction certificates to customers and ensure real-time supervision of the complete system.

A feasibility study has also been launched to model the entire concept as it might eventually be deployed across Europe.

Managing director of CEVA Logistics Europe, Luc Nadal, said: “By combining the skills and expertise of three major French companies, with the support of our partners and customers, we have brought together all the conditions needed to provide a concrete response to the critical challenge of decarbonizing road freight transport in Europe. When we see what is happening with the electric car, we can make that possible for heavy goods vehicles, with the support of European public authorities. This experiment is a first step towards a large-scale transformation of our industry, with considerable benefits for the environment.”

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