Buchs ZH/Basel – The parcel service provider DPD is testing a new charging infrastructure for its e-fleet. In addition to charging boxes in the power grid, second uses are made of expired truck batteries. This bidirectional charging project, which aims to create a stable electricity grid, is being funded by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy.
DPD, a parcel service provider based in Buchs, is testing a new charging infrastructure for its e-fleet as part of a project. According to a press release, the e-trucks stationed in Basel are supplied with fresh energy in a bidirectional charging process. The vehicles obtain the electricity for the charging process both from the grid and from the secondary use of disused truck batteries, which had to be replaced after their mileage had expired. In a further step, the charged truck batteries can also be used as mobile storage units that supply electricity back to the grid at peak load times.
The Tec-Off project, which is funded by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (BFE), is being carried out jointly by the Institute for Sustainable Development (INE) of the School of Engineering at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), DPD and other partners. The technology company sun2wheel supplies the software and hardware for bidirectional charging and demand-based load management, for example. Novatlantis, a company specializing in knowledge and technology transfer, is responsible for disseminating the knowledge gained and for project management. The partners also include IWB and SBB Immobilien Development as the owner of the Wolf Basel site.
"Our aim is to deploy our fleet of over 800 vehicles in such a way that we can optimize electricity costs, avoid expensive grid expansion and contribute to achieving Switzerland's energy targets," said Ville Heimgartner, Senior Innovation Project & Sustainability Manager DPD Switzerland, in the press release.
"In order to enable the complete electrification of freight transport fleets, we are developing innovative solutions that place minimal strain on the networks and ensure the full availability of the fleet," adds Professor Dr. Maike Scherrer, Head of Sustainable Supply Chain Management and Mobility at ZHAW INE. ce/ww