In order to be truly sustainable, logistics should be zero-emission, safe for everyone, and have a low impact on urban space while meeting the needs of citizens and businesses. However, current urban logistics still require significant development and innovation to become sustainable.
The URBANIZED consortium strongly believes that modular vehicles represent a groundbreaking technology in the shift towards sustainable urban logistics. These vehicles have the potential to facilitate a wider range of innovative logistics models, leading to increased efficiency and reduced redundancy for fleet owners. Despite the readiness of the technology for modular vehicles and their logistics models to be scaled up, there are still significant gaps in the market, policy, societal, and organisational readiness.

In order to make the most of modular vehicles, we need to focus on the following aspects:

1. Implementing appropriate policies that will:
– Provide long-term strategic clarity for logistics operators and companies.
– Create space for innovating new logistics models.
– Enable the acquisition of innovative delivery vehicles.
– Foster public-private cooperation for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and partnerships.

2. Conducting research and trials to develop and validate the integration of modular vehicles and innovative logistics models, making them accessible to all logistics stakeholders.

In light of the European commitments for carbon neutrality by 2050, modular solutions are vital in facilitating the transition in urban logistics. The comprehensive approach required involves raising awareness, streamlining regulations, fostering collaboration, and sharing data, necessitating the cooperation of both public and private stakeholders. URBANIZED, as a leader in this field, is taking the initial steps in this direction.

Discover in detail the results of the URBANIZED project and an in-depth analysis of why modular vehicles will be a contributing factor to the success of European commitments for carbon neutrality by 2050, as well as recommendations on how to move forward and achieve the necessary targets. You can download the position paper here.