Multi-Criterial Assessment of Electric Vehicle Integration into the Commercial Sector—A Case Study

Abstract

Transforming the transport sector to zero emission is an integral part of changes to the energy sector worldwide. This effects not only the electrification of the private sector but also the commercial sector. The aim of this study is to develop methodologies, algorithms and associated requirements for the integration of electric vehicles into a logistics application with a possible reduction in operating costs. The most favorable solution for a company was evaluated using the analytic hierarchy process algorithm considering three main aspects: economic, environmental and technical. An analysis of the environmental impact of the vehicle fleet in terms of atmospheric emissions was also conducted, based on the data available for combustion and electric vehicles, considering the well-to-tank approach. The costs associated with operating an electric vehicle were identified and compared to the current costs associated with operating a standard diesel-based fleet. Incorporating the identified costs of electrifying the vehicle fleet, an algorithm was implemented to reduce the number of vehicles in the company and, thereby, significantly reducing the costs associated with fleet maintenance.