AI-Based Planning of E-Truck Fleets and Charging Infrastructure at Logistics Depots

Recording of Tuesday, June 23, 2026 | The smarter E Europe Conferences 2026 | Language: English | Duration: 6:20 .

Optimizing Electric Fleet Management for Cost Efficiency

Implementing electric fleets presents unique challenges distinct from diesel fleets, necessitating strategic planning for fleet and infrastructure setup at depots. A custom AI-based software has been developed to analyze input scenarios and determine Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) optimal solutions for fleet management, factoring in route specifics, timing, distance, tolls, and key performance indicators (KPIs) for both diesel and electric vehicles. The model optimizes fleet management using various tools, including alternatives like arpetronic, and allows users to define constraints related to investment levels and the desired number of electric trucks. A transition from diesel to electric trucks can yield significant savings, as evidenced by a case study in southern Germany revealing a 10% TCO advantage for electric trucks, further enhanced by investments in depot energy infrastructure. As diesel prices rise, the electrification of fleets presents an opportunity for logistics service providers (LSPs) to achieve competitive advantages and substantial savings—projected at about 25% with 85% electrification. The effective management of this transition is vital for maximizing efficiency and cost-effectiveness in fleet operations.

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Speaker

Prof. Dr. Alexander Kressner
Professor Logistics and Supply Chain Management
State University Baden-Württemberg
Germany

Talk of session: Building the Backbone of Electric Freight, From Depots to Highways

The electrification of heavy-duty transport is more than just a goal - the transformation is already underway. But scaling up also means having to solve the big challenges: How can we build charging networks that keep pace with fleet electrification without overburdening grids or budgets? What innovations in AI, energy storage and smart infrastructure can turn today's pilot projects into tomorrow's industry standard? And how can OEMs, logistics operators and energy providers align their strategies to make zero-emission freight profitable rather than just possible? From truck manufacturers and charge point operators to logistics innovators and energy experts, this dynamic panel brings together the leaders driving change. We will dive into the real-world solutions making an impact now, like modular charging hubs that grow with demand, fleets and energy optimization solutions powered by AI and smart grid integration that cuts costs and boosts reliability. We will also ask the hard questions: Where are the gaps in collaboration, technology or policy that could slow progress, and how do we close these gaps?

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