There is a shift to flexible and modular design within e-cargo and fleet users. In the urban environment there are a whole host of new vehicle types and combinations at work. The key constraints are physical bulk, emissions legislation, electrification and a changing focus on walkable and livable urban spaces.
Companies are experimenting with trucks that can detach cargo pods, leaving them at hubs, while the truck moves to its next task. This trend is not as future focused as you may think. In many ways it is a reimagining of the Japanese mini van (Kei truck) ethic from the early 1980s, only electrically powered.
In another way it is far more connected, in terms of infrastructure, navigation, tracking, and planning. It is these overall infrastructural changes that are driving re-designs.
- 🟧 Mercedes-Benz Vision Van: Equipped with IoT for route planning, automated loading systems, and drone-assisted parcel delivery.
- 🟧 Ikea’s Electric Tricycles: Compact trikes with modular containers that fit into their broader logistics system, optimized for inner-city deliveries.
- 🟧 Daimler’s Vision Urbanetic: A modular electric vehicle with interchangeable units for passengers or goods, allowing it to shift between ride-sharing and cargo delivery.
- 🟧 Citroën Ami Cargo: A micro-electric van with 400 liters of cargo space, perfect for courier services.Renault EZ-FLEX: A prototype designed for urban delivery with a compact frame and customizable cargo space.
- 🟧 Cargo e-Bikes (DHL): Bikes with integrated electric motors and storage, widely adopted in Amsterdam, Berlin, and other dense urban areas.
- 🟧 Amazon Scout: Semi-autonomous delivery bots with integrated GPS and sensors to navigate neighborhoods.
Emerging Trends from Pilot Programs
- Collaborative Models: UPS, in partnership with cities like Hamburg, uses urban micro-hubs serviced by e-bikes and compact electric vehicles.
- Vehicle Redesign for Efficiency: Ford’s E-Transit vans are deployed in multiple U.S. cities to test their role in reducing delivery times and fuel consumption.
- Regional Adoptions: Cities like Oslo are introducing zero-emission zones, pushing fleets to adopt small electric vehicles and e-cargo bikes.
How It All Connects
Standard containerized shipments still play a key role. They act as feeders to urban micro-hubs at city outskirts, delivering large quantities of goods that are broken down into smaller loads. Electric and modular vehicles handle the intricate last-mile logistics where trucks can’t go.
