Extensive project collaboration on urban logistics emission reductions was launched

Transportation has emerged as the largest source of climate change-accelerating emissions in many Finnish cities. Road traffic is the primary emitter, with trucks being the second largest source, right after passenger cars. While electrification has rapidly progressed for passenger cars and urban buses, the same hasn’t happened for trucks. Even for vans, the pace of electrification has been significantly slower than for passenger vehicles. In some cases, the volume of urban transport has increased, meaning that without intervention, emissions will continue to grow.

At the same time, electric trucks have high acquisition costs, and public charging infrastructure is almost entirely absent in cities. Cities haven’t actively promoted opportunities for the transport sector to operate with electric fleets and achieve emission reductions collaboratively.

To address these challenges, three publicly funded development projects were launched in early 2025.

eCargo, coordinated by Forum Virium Helsinki, focuses on advancing the electrification of trucks and vans, particularly by promoting the development of charging networks. Project partners include the City of Espoo and Metropolia University of Applied Sciences.

MADLESS (Meta-Analysis Driven Logistics Emission Solutions through Stakeholder Collaboration), coordinated by the City of Helsinki, analyzes various emission reduction methods and fosters collaboration among stakeholders. The project partner is Tampere University.

In the ZERO-TRAIL project – Towards Zero-Emission Urban Transport and Logistics, coordinated by the City of Lahti, a Sustainable Urban Logistics Plan will be developed, charging infrastructure suitable for freight transport will be improved, and the best steering measures for reducing emissions will be investigated. Project partners are Lahti Region Development LADEC and LAB University of Applied Sciences.

Ideas, Networks, and New Learnings from the Joint Launch Event

The projects held a joint launch event on May 13, 2025, at Clarion Aviapolis. At the heart of Finnish logistics, near Ring Road III in Vantaa, attendees saw various electric trucks and met both old and new acquaintances. Presentations were heard from academia, the energy sector, the automotive industry, EV charging experts, city representatives, freight procurers, and transport companies operating electric trucks. The launch event was hosted by electric transport expert Raimo Tengvall and Project Manager Iina Kallio.

In the opening address, Professor Heikki Liimatainen from Tampere University discussed the disadvantages caused by the slow pace of transport electrification, in light of research findings. He highlighted that if emission targets aren’t met and the blending mandate for renewable fuels has to be increased, the costs for transport and industry will rise even more than the cost of electrification.

Tuukka Heikkilä, Senior Advisor from Finnish Energy, emphasized that there’s certainly enough electricity. He stated that the electrification of trucks is entirely feasible for the electricity grids at the rate it could realistically occur.

Tuomas Räikkönen, Logistics Team Manager at Lidl Finland, shared the perspective of a transport procurer on reducing emissions. He noted that biogas is currently a good option for very long routes heading north in Finland, while electricity is good for Southern Finland. Urban distribution presents challenges in many ways, which should be considered when setting emission-related requirements and expectations.

Transport companies Niemi Palvelut and Fastlane Transport shared their experiences operating with electric trucks: drivers and customers have been pleased. Attendees also had the opportunity to examine Niemi Palvelut’s Scania P 230 Electric and Fastlane Transport’s Volvo FME.

Automobile importer and dealer Veho showcased the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter and a Mitsubishi Fuso eCanter upfitted for hooklift use. Also on display was the mobile charging solution EV Mobile, which allows an electric car to be charged anywhere from a large battery located in the back of a van.

In addition to project presentations, the project teams invited attendees to future events and active dialogue. You can follow and participate in discussions, for example, in the LinkedIn group “Kaupunkilogistiikan päästöjen vähentäminen” (Reducing Urban Logistics Emissions).

The event was attended by 117 people in person and received exceptionally positive feedback. A strong need was identified for this kind of collaboration between numerous different actors, for meetings, and for concrete solutions presented. Thank you to all participants, and see you at the next events!

Photos: Assi Jokivirta / LADEC