Germany - MAN Truck & Bus SE of Munich has been participating in the EIT Urban Mobility ZEUS project researching off-peak urban deliveries with the MAN eTGM electric distribution truck in the city of Munich. Results of trials starting in November involving the distribution of goods in the city centre with an electric truck during off-peak times were said to have contributed to reduced traffic levels during peak hours and to lower emissions overall.

MAN’s eTGM proved electric trucks can be used effectively at sensitive times of the day. Its eTGM zero emission truck emits significantly less noise compared with diesel variants and showed it can complete its tasks without seriously affecting local residents. (Perceived noise was reduced by at least a quarter, and in some cases by half, especially at speeds below 30 km/h. A key challenge needing to be addressed is that retail businesses would need to restructure their goods receiving operations to off-peak hours, which could, however, result in increased costs for said businesses). The results also revealed a time saving of 15 to 30%, which was achieved by rescheduling the time window for inner-city deliveries to off-peak hours. At the same time, it was possible to improve punctuality and planning reliability to a score of almost 100%.