Electrification of Heavy Transport

In January 2024, the reduction obligation will be lowered, likely leading to an increase in emissions from heavy traffic in the port area throughout 2024. This change is due to a decrease in the proportion of renewable blending in gasoline and diesel. Therefore, it is particularly encouraging that several developments related to the electrification of heavy transport occurred in 2023. The charging infrastructure for heavy truck traffic in the port cluster continues to evolve, and we are witnessing an increase in electric trucks operating in the port.

Every year, over a million trucks pass through the port to pick up or deliver goods. In recent years, there has been a specific focus on creating conditions for an accelerated transition of land transport. This has resulted in various infrastructure measures and incentives to increase the pace. In addition to new charging opportunities, a special priority for electric trucks has been introduced in the port's terminals.

Collaboration Has Increased the Number of Electric Trucks in the Port

In 2021, the Tranzero Initiative was launched to accelerate the transition in the transport sector, with a particular focus on land transport to and from the port. The project is a collaboration between the Port of Gothenburg, the Volvo Group, Scania, and Stena Line. A significant advantage of electric trucks is that they are emission-free, but a major challenge is that they are significantly more expensive to purchase than fossil-fuel alternatives.

In 2023, there has been a sharp increase in electric trucks within the port cluster, and we see a trend where cargo owners are willing to pay more for sustainable transport, which is essential for haulers to be able to purchase them. Despite an increase in the number of electric vehicles in the port cluster, the majority of freight transport is still carried out with trucks powered by fossil fuels. At the Port of Gothenburg, efforts are ongoing to create the necessary conditions for even more fossil-free truck transport.

Expansion of Infrastructure

Through a collaboration between Göteborg Energi and the Port of Gothenburg, additional charging options for heavy traffic are now available at the port. Four charging stations for heavy vehicles are operational at Port Entry, providing electric trucks with two different charging options. Port Entry is situated in the heart of the Port of Gothenburg's logistics hub, and as the name suggests, it serves as the gateway to the entire port area. A large number of trucks pass through this area daily, and offering charging facilities for the growing number of electric trucks is a crucial part of the port’s efforts to reduce port-related greenhouse gas emissions.

For the past year, there has also been a charging station at Vädermotet in the Port of Gothenburg, operated by Circle K. Like the new charging station at Port Entry, these charging facilities are public. This means that all vehicles with charging capabilities can use them, although the charging stations are specifically designed for trucks.

By enhancing our infrastructure to support the needs of electric trucks, we are taking significant steps toward our goal of reducing emissions and promoting sustainable transport solutions.