Pre study - introduction of a zero emission zone in the city

The city of Stockholm plans to introduce a zero emission zone in a part of Stockholm city at the end of 2024 and investigate an expansion of the zone during 2024. The introduction of the zero-emission zone will be the first in Sweden. Old Town (Gamla Stan) was originally included in the investigation area for the zero-emission zone, but according to the proposal for the budget for 2024, the mission has been changed and the new proposal no longer covers Old Town.

The city shall still work towards an emission-free inner city and the goal of reducing motor vehicle traffic by 30 percent by the year 2030 remains. There is a strong desire to continue working towards more efficient and sustainable freight transport in the Old Town, with or without a zero-emission zone. The pre-study is therefore based on the goal that Old Town will continue to aim to become an emission-free district and that a zero-emission zone, or equivalent regulation, may become relevant in the long term.

Opportunities and challenges with a zero
emission zone                                       

The zero-emission zone aims to improve air quality and more attractive and noise-free living environments through emission-free and quiet transport. The regulation roughly means that only electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles and newer gas vehicles will be permitted. For heavy vehicles, newer plug-in hybrids are also permitted in these zones and this means that certain vehicles will be excluded from the area. This might cause problems with the supply of goods and handling of waste to businesses and private individuals in the area. The technology for electrified trucks is new and the vehicles are significantly more expensive, which might risk driving up the number of vehicle movements based on a limited supply of heavy electrified vehicles.

It can also lead to poor regulatory compliance and disturbances in the street space, increased transport costs or unwanted solutions counteracting the city's goals. In order to understand the challenges and what solutions are needed, Lindholmen Science Park, together with the city of Stockholm, has initiated a pre-study project where several actors are involved.

Purpose and project goals

The project "Feasibility study - how do we contribute to a successful implementation of zero emission zone?" aims to study how a continued transport supply of goods can be ensured in the Old Town and contribute to the city's goal of an attractive, safe and emission-free inner city, with a potential implementation of a zero-emission zone. The project will also investigate needs that may arise for businesses and residents when a zero emission zone is introduced as well as develop solutions for freight transport and evaluate its effects and feasibility.

The goal is to define several possible and feasible solutions that contribute to the successful implementation of zero-emission zones. The solutions must be transport efficient so that they meet the requirements that the zero-emissions zone entails. It can, for example, mean a more energy-efficient use of vehicles and give actors incentives to switch more quickly to electric-powered vehicles.

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