Developing a strategic toolkit for the sustainable feasibility of using battery electric trucks for short-distance deliveries
With the growing demand for more sustainable short-distance delivery operations and more efficient solutions for road freight transportation, several challenges arise from the limited studies that enable the logistics industry to make informed decisions about incorporating battery electric trucks (BETs) into their operations. In South Africa, the logistics sector faces the dual challenge of decarbonising road freight and maintaining operational efficiency. There is limited knowledge on how to successfully transition to BETs, with uncertainty surrounding operational planning, energy requirements, and economic feasibility, as well as the starting point of conceptualising the transition in a specific context. This creates a need for structured, data-driven decision support to guide the adoption of BET for short-distance deliveries. The research presents a data-driven decision-making toolkit that comprises different components that facilitate the identification of relevant operational factors, conceptualising the technological considerations that influence the financial outcome, and providing a consistent approach to identifying and evaluating potential opportunities for BET integration. The key objective of the study is to develop and validate a toolkit that systematically assesses, conceptualises a planning approach, and supports comparative analysis with Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) trucks, evaluating available opportunities in current operations. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining systematic and conceptual literature reviews identifying the key focus areas for implementation, with extensive stakeholder engagement and the iterative principles of Design Science Research (DSR). Toolkit development involved a co-design process with freight users, fleet managers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), charging providers, and financial advisors to validate and refine components. Both qualitative data and quantitative data (trip-level metrics and industry benchmarks) were integrated, grounding the toolkit in both academic theory and practical realities. The methodology is structured in clear phases: problem definition, literature synthesis, toolkit design, iterative refinement and validation through Use Case application. The layered theoretical foundation ensures that decisions are holistically evaluated from operational, technological, and financial perspectives, all within the context of South African logistics. The toolkit comprises three layered parts: (1) Operational understanding and trip-level feasibility, (2) Technological analysis focusing on battery and charging strategy, and (3) Financial evaluation, including total cost of ownership (TCO) comparison and the comparison between current ICE truck replacement when integrating BETs. These parts are interconnected, enabling a holistic perspective with iterative refinement based on real-world Use Cases. Validation was conducted through three real-world Use Cases, each representing a distinct segment of the South African logistics sector (e-commerce, fresh produce supplier and logistics service provider). Iterative application and feedback from industry partners, along with sensitivity analysis, led to refinement of the components and user guidance. The validation demonstrated the toolkit’s capability to identify opportunities for BET implementation, highlight operational, technological, and financial trade-offs, and understand the contextual challenges that impact decision-making for electrification. The research delivers a validated, adaptable toolkit that bridges academic theory and practical application. It supports context-based decision-making for BET adoption in short-distance freight operations. The toolkit provides a foundation for further research and for companies seeking to navigate the complexities of sustainable fleet transition in developing markets.
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