The delivery, distribution and collection of parcels has experienced enormous growth in recent years, particularly as a result of online trading and the Corona crisis. The constantly growing range of online-offers (e.g. due to more and more articles for daily use such as fresh food, drugstore articles and over-the-counter medicines), the hope for lower prices, and the possible savings in time and distance compared to stationary shopping are major drivers for the positive development of online sales. This crucial development leads to a strong need for optimized delivery strategies, as shipments to private households, especially for fresh food, open up new requirements of the parcel transport. In this context, effective practical application of Zero Emission Logistics is based on highly complex and dynamic environments. Due to several influencing aspects the actual execution of last mile distribution in combination with electric vehicles and cold chain deliveries requires a vigorously synchronized interaction of different actors and parameters in order to be efficient, reliable and economic viable. One of the key factors is the availability and compilation of logistics infrastructure which is geographically close to customers – the so-called micro hubs. Predominantly logistics hubs are not centrally located and dimensioned for high volumes of throughput in order to be economically viable. In contrast increasing energy efficiency and on-site energy generation, for example through building-integrated PV systems, is becoming more common in new as well as in renovated buildings.
However, the concept of a central logistics hub has the disadvantage in terms of Zero Emission Mobility that long delivery and distribution distances down to the last mile require high demands on the battery capacities which induces reduced payloads for delivery for electric vehicles. microHUBs+ addresses an integrated systematic approach of combining energy sector inte-gration, efficient cooling, digital marketplace and Zero Emission Last Mile Logistics Systems into a holistic conceptual approach. The central idea behind the concept is to bring together different technical innovations and merge them into a novel, scalable and modular product that enables Zero Emission Logistics Concepts. The combination of 1) Renewable energy production systems, 2) Power storage, 3) Sustainable Energy Efficient Cooling system and 4) Smart Charging Infrastructure into a holistic approach defines the conceptual framework of microHUB+. An affordable, reliable, highly efficient, e-mobility ready Zero Emission Logistics Solution by the integration of microHUB+ intends to show the feasibility of electro-mobility, minimizes the obstacles to the electrification of the transport and enables the deployment of electrified transport of goods supporting the growth of the e-vehicles market. For further information, see the links below:
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