We’re electric
Today 28 percent of our total vehicle fleet is electrified – mainly e-bikes and light vehicles. Focus now is reaching the interim target: that PostNord’s entire fleet of vehicles in last mile is emission-free by 2027.
The green transition is a win-win situation for the climate and the economy. Even when electricity was at its most expensive last winter, it was cheaper to run an electric vehicle in Sweden than a fossil fuel-powered one. But the economic benefits and conditions for electrification differ among the Nordic countries. “PostNord’s work on electrification follows our so called green tech road map, which is rolled out in each country and market. They then establish their own plans,” says Nima Ghaviha, Green Technology Lead at PostNord’s Climate Impact Office. “Where lighter vehicles are concerned, the technology for charging infrastructure is already well developed and there are vehicles on the market. The challenge of last mile electrification lies in the lack of capacity in the power grid and the long lead times for grid expansion projects. But the biggest challenge lies in electrifying the routes that require large and heavy trucks.”
Today, Existing vehicles on the market can meet some of our needs. But the technology for heavy vehicles needs to be developed, as does the charging infrastructure. Today, it takes a long time to charge a large vehicle, putting immense strain on the grid. We also need more initial investment capital to purchase the vehicles. On the positive side, however, many market participants are working together to accelerate development, and the technology is evolving rapidly. “We are driving the development of the industry, but we can only succeed if we work together,” says Nima. “That’s why we’ve forged several partnerships, including with subcontractors, other hauliers and the research institutes.”
The development of green corridors is another key means of supporting PostNord's climate transition. By ensuring fossil-free deliveries between the major cities, a large volume of all deliveries can be fossil-free, all the way from the retailer to the end customer.
To make the most of electrification, it must also be run intelligently. “All our drivers are therefore trained in ‘ecodriving’, i.e. how to drive their vehicle in an energy-efficient way. There are also intelligent ways to charge, such as after 7 pm, when electricity is usually cheaper. Digitalization and smart systems make this possible,” concludes Nima.
Nima Ghaviha
Position: Green Tech Lead, PostNord Group.
At PostNord since: 2022