Research Project · mFUND
DRivE
Completed research project on data-driven route planning for road freight transport using various energy supply technologies, funded as part of the mFUND innovation initiative.
Project Data
| Duration | May 1, 2023 – December 31, 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Grant Reference Number | 19FS2054A | |
| Funding Agency | Federal Ministry of Digital and Transportation (BMDV) |  |
| Project Sponsor | TÜV Rheinland Consulting GmbH |  |
| Funding Context | mFUND |  |
| Your Contact | Henrik Schlingmann | |
The DRivE project (19FS2054A) received a total of approximately 2.1 million euros in funding from the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport (BMDV) as part of the mFUND innovation initiative.
The Project
In early May 2023, the research project “DRivE – Data-Driven Route Planning in Road Freight Transport Using Various Energy Supply Technologies” was launched with a press conference in Munich. The goal of the project was to make it easier for freight forwarders to switch to environmentally friendly trucks for long-haul transport. To this end, the participating partners developed and tested a route planning system based on real-time data from vehicles and refueling/charging infrastructure. In conjunction with the MANSIO transport system—which relies on trailer transfers—this was intended to enable environmentally friendly long-haul transport using heavy-duty trucks.
Initial Situation
A truck with a conventional internal combustion engine emits approximately 111 grams of greenhouse gases per metric ton-kilometer. Taken together, heavy-duty transport was thus responsible for just under 8% of Europe’s CO₂ emissions. To meet the Paris Agreement climate goals, greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced by at least 65% by 2030. The transportation sector is therefore facing a fundamental shift toward alternative propulsion technologies. At the start of the project, just 1.2% of registered trucks in Germany were equipped with hydrogen, LNG, or electric propulsion systems.
Approach to a Solution
The following steps were carried out:
- Analysis and structuring of the market for alternative heavy-duty propulsion systems, such as electric, hydrogen, and LNG, as well as a description of stakeholder requirements
- Development of a routing algorithm that takes into account charging infrastructure, vehicle parameters, terrain topologies, and the design of a user interface
- Standardization and certification of the solution to ensure data security and the design of a business model that incorporates sustainability considerations
- Pilot implementation of the solution within the framework of use cases involving various drive concepts
Result
Route planning for commercial vehicles with alternative powertrains that incorporates real-time data on available charging and refueling infrastructure and vehicle condition increases planning reliability for transportation companies. In this project, this data-driven route planning was designed to be technology-neutral and implemented on a pilot basis. This reduced the barriers for transportation companies to invest in environmentally friendly propulsion technologies for commercial vehicles. Transportation companies can now use vehicles with alternative energy sources (e.g., batteries, hydrogen, LNG) even in long-haul transport without having to accept logistical drawbacks such as detours or waiting times. This has laid an important foundation for accelerating the mobility transition in long-haul transport.
Project Partners
Associate Partners
