eCargo – Reducing truck emissions by developing EV charging network

Goals

• Increase cities’ understanding of the needs and bottlenecks of electrifying truck and van traffic.
• Initiate targeted cooperation between cities, the transport sector, the automotive companies, and charging operators.
• Act as a complementary force to logistics companies’ depot charging and the charging points required by the AFIR regulation in urban areas.

The eCargo project focused on the electrification of regional logistics – which in practice in the Helsinki area means within Ring III. The project focused on large vans that do not fit in passenger car charging spaces and trucks without trailers, such as delivery trucks. eCargo aimed to produce data and collaboration opportunities to promote charging solutions.

The project involved data collection and analysis, ecosystem work, and learning and communication. The data section investigated how to obtain data of existing (diesel) vans and trucks on their parking – which sre the potential charging locations of existing (diesel) vans and trucks and compile a heatmap of these. In addition, the project acquired vehicle fleet data, which reveals how the vehicle fleet is being electrified and what the cars’ charging capacities and charging port locations are. A concrete action was to test the usability of existing public charging points and what size vans can currently charge there.

The ecosystem work focused on bringing stakeholders together at events, workshops, and visits. Cities gained an understanding of charging needs and the necessary permit processes for charging points. The most important task of the learnings and communications section was to disseminate the results at the end of the project and compile a concept handbook for cities on EV charging trucks and vans. In addition, this section ensured that a broad network was gathered around the topic and that dialogue continues after the project.

After the project, it will be known where there is a need and, on the other hand, where it is possible to build public charging points for heavy traffic, after which these charging points will begin to be implemented and companies and cities will begin to acquire a large amount of electric transport vehicles.

Cooperation on emission reductions in logistics will continue in the Kulkee project (ERDF, 9/2026–8/2028), coordinated by Forum Virium Helsinki. The project’s co-implementers are LIMOWA Association, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, and the cities of Espoo and Vantaa

Duration, partners, and funding

• The project was implemented between 1/2025 and 6/2026.
• Forum Virium Helsinki was the coordinator, and the City of Espoo and Metropolia University of Applied Sciences are the co-implementers.
• The project was funded by the European Regional Development Fund and its specific objective 2.1, which focused on promoting energy efficiency measures and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The total budget for the project was 458 365 euros, of which the EU-funded share was 343 774 euros.

Role of Forum Virium Helsinki

Forum Virium Helsinki acted as the coordinator of the project and the leader of data work and communications.

Benefits for Helsinki

eCargo promoted the electrification of truck and van traffic in Helsinki and the metropolitan area. The project supported the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SULP) and Helsinki’s carbon neutrality targets.

Sustainability

The eCargo project promoted sustainable transport and emission reduction measures by improving charging opportunities for trucks and vans in Helsinki, thus making it easier for companies to convert their truck and van fleets to lower emission vehicles. The project was guided by the cities’ carbon neutrality targets.

Photo and video: Vesa Laitinen