Published on 17 June in Germany, a joint study by autonomous logistics company Einride and Fraunhofer ISI – the largest applied research institute in Europe – demonstrates how AI can make freight operations more cost effective and accelerate the shift to electric vehicles.
The research analysed more than 38,000 shipments and 200 vehicles from REWE, one of Germany’s biggest grocery retailers, focusing on its logistics in the Berlin region. Two approaches were compared: a direct 1:1 replacement of diesel trucks with electric ones, and a system-wide optimisation using Einride’s planning AI.
Results showed that with AI optimisation, electric trucks delivered 85% of the total payload and covered 54% of the total distance, far outperforming the 1:1 replacement model, which managed only 57% of the payload and 32% of the mileage.
Comparing to an all-diesel fleet, the Ai-optimised fleet reduced total cost of ownership by 8–13%. By contrast, the 1:1 replacement approach achieved only a 3% cost reduction and remained heavily reliant dependent on government financing for capital projects.
“At the fleet level, appropriate planning software that integrates route and charging planning has a significantly greater impact than, for example, increasing battery sizes or the uncoordinated expansion of charging infrastructure,” said Prof. Dr Patrick Plötz, Head of Energy Economics at Fraunhofer ISI.
The study also found that AI-planned fleets were less reliant on extensive charging infrastructure. Although placing 150 kW fast chargers at loading bays helped reduce costs in both models, the AI approach maintained high electrification levels with greater flexibility.
Even without subsidies, AI-optimised fleets were cost-comparable with diesel operations. This suggests that intelligent planning can support fleet operators in adapting to changing market conditions and regulatory environments.
“Economic efficiency is a crucial prerequisite for the long-term transformation of truck fleets, and REWE encourages further innovation in this area,” said Dr Fabian Nevries, Head of Transport Innovation & Technology at REWE.
Author: Sara Mecatti
Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.
