Analyzing the diffusion of eco-friendly van for urban freight distribution

Purpose: This paper investigates the diffusion dynamics of electric and hybrid commercial vans in City Logistics (CL) contexts and its enabling factors in the cCity lLogistics (CL) contexts. The case of parcel delivery in of Torino, (Italy, is considered). Particular aAttention is paidgiven to the influence on the choice of low impact vehicles of not only the influence ofpublic strategies but also the operational aspects characterising the urban freight distribution systems on the choice of low impact vehicles. Design/Methodology/Approach: A System Dynamics model based on Bass diffusion theory computes the number of the adopters of low emission vehicles together with the quantity of vans required and the associated economic savings and the quantity number of vehicles required. The model includes variables about freight demand, delivery frequency, van carrying capacity, routes, stops, distances travelled, and vehicle charging stations. A sensitivity analysis has been completed to identify the main diffusion levers. The focus is on advertising and other diffusion drivers such as public contributions, taxes traditional polluting vehicles are subjected to as well as routing optimization strategies, regulatory pressure, and route redesign actions. Findings: Advertising programs, green image, and word of mouth drive market saturation although in a long time period. In fact, low impact vehicles do not offer any economic advantage over traditional ones vans requiring higher greater investment and operating costs. In order to shorten the adoption time pPublic incentives to purchase both green vehicles and charging stations, together with and carbon taxes and a congestion charge affecting polluting vehicles, are able to shorten the adoption time advisable. In particular, public intervention reveals to be effective only when it unfolds through a number of measures that both facilitate the use of environmentally friendly vehicles and discourage the adoption of traditional commercial vans. The use of low impact vehicles associated with rRoute optimization also hastens the complete market saturation. Research implications: This work fosters research about the mutual relationships between the diffusion of low emission commercial vehicles and the operational and contextual CL factors. It provides a structured approach for investigating the feasibility of innovative good vehicles that might be part of assessments of CL measures and requirements. Finally, the model supports studies about the cooperation among stakeholders to identify effective commercial vehicle fleets. Practical implications: Thise study fosters collaboration among CL players by also providinges a roadmap to identify the key factors for the diffusion of environmentally friendly freight vehicles. It also enables freight carriers to assess the operational and economic feasibility of adopting low impact vehicles. Finally, it might This contribution assists public authorities in capturing the effects of new urban transportation policies prior to their implementation. It enables freight carriers to assess the operational and economic feasibility of adopting low impact vehicles. The study also provides a roadmap to identify the key factors for the diffusion of environmental friendly freight vehicles. Originality/Value: Most of the current CL literature defines policies and analyses their effects. Also, there are several contributions on the diffusion of low emission cars. The present study is one contributes to the lack of the firstew works on the diffusion of low impact commercial vehicles in urban areas by considering the associated key operational factors, economic, and environmental issues. A further nother vvalue is that the proposed model combines operational variables with economic and environmental issues.