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Interview a huge amount of energy and innovation . Fragmentation across the transportation sector creates the second challenge . This is due to varying regulation , technologies , fuel solutions , infrastructure and timelines across different markets . That ’ s a lot to think about for one company , never mind more than 3 million of them . Finally , the industry is highly competitive , meaning there is a constant race to the bottom when it comes to cost .
As a result , the industry finds itself at a crossroads . With the number of heavy-duty vehicles set to nearly double , and the call for lower emissions louder than ever , the industry needs to act – fast . This leaves fleet managers and business owners tasked with balancing sustainable progress with the practicalities of daily operational demands , all while under pressure to control costs and increase efficiency . Acknowledging and addressing these challenges is vital if we want to create an ecosystem of resilient and sustainable fleets . What ’ s more , with regulations only tightening , fleets need a strategic approach that works with – not against – their wider business goals .
A range of low- and zero-emission options are already available today that can help fleets make this transition , but each is at a different stage of commercial readiness . Therefore , a mosaic of solutions is needed for each step of the decarbonisation journey . A mosaic that must be supported by policy as well as sector collaboration . This , of course , includes the scaling of zero-emissions vehicles , but adopting electric trucks is more than just a vehicle swap ; it ’ s about reliability , efficiency and staying competitive .
Take the example of Shell Recharge and Kivits Drunen installing an EV fast charger – this collaboration was not only about embracing technology but understanding the entire value chain . It shows that businesses need to ask themselves : can this solution grow as my fleet does ? Is the hardware the right fit and will it provide efficient monitoring ? Can it provide the flexibility I need to schedule charging around my operations ? The benefit of choosing solutions that can adapt to evolving operational requirements extends to energy management , balancing power needs , reducing costs , and lowering carbon intensity too .
After all , today ’ s energy solutions must prioritise scalability to ensure these benefits reach customers . As a result , collaboration will play a critical part in identifying , developing and delivering the right solutions . This means working alongside industry partners and Original Equipment Manufacturers ( OEMs ) to make sure technologies are fast , reliable and costeffective . This combination of collaboration and innovation forms the foundation of Shell ’ s Accelerate to Zero programme . By working with advisors and understanding the possibilities for each site , we can help build a decarbonisation roadmap that allows them to confidently navigate today ’ s operational , technological and environmental challenges . Because , ultimately , it ’ s not just about adopting new types of trucks , it ’ s about ensuring a successful , scalable and sustainable transition .’ ■
For a list of the sources used in this article , please contact the editor .
Hilmar Van Den Dool www . shell . com
Hilmar Van Den Dool is General Manager of E-mobility and Global Accounts at Shell Commercial Road Transport . Shell Commercial Road Transport helps to keep heavy-duty fleets on the road by delivering progress at every turn . Its suite of specialist products and services can help drive businesses forward , keeping organizations prepared for today and ready for tomorrow .
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