DHEELS
Demonstrating Highly Energy Effective Logistics Solutions
DHEELS seeks to design and assess energy-efficient logistics systems utilizing high-capacity truck-train configurations powered by fossil-free energy sources. The project will explore various logistics solutions and truck-train models to address future demands for sustainable transport, with an emphasis on safety, user acceptance, reliability, and economic viability. The goal is to ensure that decision-makers and authorities can confidently adopt these vehicle combinations, knowing they operate effectively without compromising infrastructure integrity.
To bring these solutions to fruition, new regulations governing road network access are essential. These regulations must allow for truck trains with longer and heavier configurations than current standards, extending beyond what is presently permitted on public roads. The objective is to facilitate legislative advancements and deliver market-ready solutions that can be deployed immediately upon the project's completion.
High capacity truck train
DHEELS will assess truck trains ranging from 25.25 meters to 34.5 meters in length, testing at least 10 different configuration options. These configurations will incorporate modules such as tractors, dollies, links, semi-trailers, and full-trailers, aiming to maximize load capacity and enhance energy efficiency. By increasing load weight and optimizing the balance between load weight and gross weight, the project seeks to significantly lower total energy consumption per ton transported.
Fossil-free powertrains
The project will explore various driveline solutions, ranging from internal combustion engine (ICE)-based systems to fully or partially electric systems for towing vehicles, semi-trailers, and full trailers. While electric truck trains offer significantly lower energy consumption, they face challenges with weight restrictions, which can impact logistics efficiency unless higher weight limits are permitted.
The future of sustainable logistics
DHEELS is a three-year project set to launch in 2024, with the first practical solutions anticipated to be ready for implementation soon after its conclusion. The project aims to drive progress toward a more sustainable logistics sector, paving the way for fossil-free transport solutions designed to meet the demands of the future.
Demonstrationer within DHEELS
As part of DHEELS, the participating parties will collaboratively establish, operate, and evaluate various demonstrations of different vehicle combinations across multiple locations in Sweden. Detailed information about some of these demonstrations is outlined below.
Berndt Mattsson's Åkeri, Gothenburg
Demonstration of a Long-Link Combination with a Battery Electric (BEV) Tractor Unit. This demonstration focuses on testing a long-link combination with a BEV tractor unit, specifically optimized for intermodal container transport. The primary goal is to gather data and evaluate the feasibility of transitioning to high-gross-weight (>80 tonnes) truck trains for local and regional transport using BEV tractors. Initial tests will be conducted in the Port of Gothenburg and its surrounding areas, with plans to expand to a shuttle route between the port and Borås. Technological enhancements will be implemented throughout the demonstration, including the replacement of standard trailer chassis with E-trailers to assess their potential for increasing range and efficiency.
Stora Enso, Skutskär, Gävle
Demonstration of a Battery-Electric (BEV) Tractor for Heavy Transport.This demonstration focuses on using a BEV tractor to transport loads of 90-110 tonnes, building on prior tests conducted with internal combustion engine trucks. The operation will involve transporting round timber within Skutskär's port area, terminal, and factory. The aim is to showcase the capabilities of current BEV technology and charging infrastructure. The demonstration will include an evaluation of component durability, testing 2- and 3-shift operations with integrated charging strategies and logistics setups. Key metrics such as energy consumption, operating time, and the impact of seasonal variations will be closely monitored.
Sveaskog, Piteå
Demonstration of DUO-CAT, a C-double vehicle combination. The logistics system and vehicle combination are designed to transport volume-restricted goods in national and international factory and distribution flows, as well as for intermodal use. The combination consists of a truck and two trailers carrying three swap bodies, with a total gross weight of up to 64 tonnes. Kinnarps’ standard logistics system uses a vehicle combination with two swap bodies. By increasing the length of the combination to transport three swap bodies, the volume capacity is increased by 50%, reducing fuel consumption per volume unit. The longer truck combination (27.3 metres) enables greater flexibility and scalability in both logistics and production planning. The utilisation of vehicles, drivers, and working hours can be further optimised.
Kinnarps, Falköping
Demonstration of DUO-CAT: A C-Double Vehicle Combination. The DUO-CAT demonstration features a C-double vehicle combination designed to transport volume-limited goods with swap bodies for international and intermodal use. The setup includes a truck with two center axle trailers, each unit carrying a swap body. The vehicle combination of 27.3 meters may have a total weight of up to 64 tons. Kinnarp’s existing logistics system uses a vehicle combination with up to two (7.82 meters) swap bodies, which enables maximum volume for international transports within Europe. By extending the length to accommodate three swap bodies, the volume capacity increases by 50%, leading to a reduction in fuel consumption per unit of volume. The longer vehicle combination, enabling one additional swap body, offers enhanced flexibility and scalability in both logistics and production planning, allowing for better optimization of vehicle, driver, and working hour utilization.
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Andreas Josefsson
Nikita Zaiko
Caroline Karlsson
