{"id":28658,"date":"2025-07-31T08:54:36","date_gmt":"2025-07-31T06:54:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.ptvlogistics.com\/?p=28658"},"modified":"2025-09-01T10:08:01","modified_gmt":"2025-09-01T08:08:01","slug":"diesel-fleet-vs-ev-route-planning-whats-different-and-why-it-matters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.ptvlogistics.com\/en\/transport-logistics\/diesel-fleet-vs-ev-route-planning-whats-different-and-why-it-matters\/","title":{"rendered":"Diesel fleet vs EV route planning: What\u2019s different and why it matters"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]As of January 2025, 16 major Dutch cities including Amsterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, and Rotterdam have <\/span><\/b>implemented zero-emission zones for commercial vehicles<\/span><\/b><\/a>, with another 12 expected by 2028.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Clearly, logistics is undergoing a fundamental transformation. As cities adopt stricter emissions regulations and sustainability climbs higher on boardroom agendas, fleet managers are increasingly turning to electric vehicles (EVs) as a viable alternative to diesel.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But EVs bring a new set of planning constraints that render traditional route planning logic obsolete. To keep operations efficient and customer promises intact, it\u2019s critical to understand how route planning must evolve when moving from diesel to electric.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To guide you through this shift, in this blog we will cover:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Key differences: EV vs Traditional Fleet<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Advantages & challenges in EV fleet<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Hybrid fleets are becoming the reality<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
  4. How to plan efficiently for EV and diesel fleets<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    EV vs Traditional Fleet: What\u2019s different?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h1>\n

    At first glance, routing a diesel van or an EV might seem like a similar task: get goods from A to B as efficiently as possible. <\/span>But the operational realities are starkly different:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Aspect<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/th>\nTraditional fleet (Diesel)<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/th>\nElectric fleet (EV)<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    Refueling Time<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nApproximately 5<\/span>\u201310 minutes at fuel stations.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nCharging times range from 30 minutes (DC fast charging) to several hours (Level 2 charging), depending on <\/span>charger<\/span> type.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
    <\/span>Charging at company depots is typically much cheaper and more predictable\u2014public charging can cost up to <\/span><\/span>three times more<\/span><\/span> and often varies significantly, leading many fleet operators to avoid relying on public networks.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

    Fueling Infrastructure<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nExtensive network of fuel stations available nationwide.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nCharging infrastructure is still developing, with availability varying across regions.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
    <\/span>For trucks, the challenge is even greater\u2014dedicated truck charging stations are still rare and must meet specific requirements like high-speed charging, sufficient space and height, and access for trucks with trailers.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    \u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

    Route Planning Complexity<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nStandard route planning <\/span>based<\/span> on distance and time.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nRoute planning for EVs must account for battery range, charging station locations, and charging times\u2014adding significant complexity.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
    <\/span> It also involves charging resource planning, considering <\/span>different types<\/span> of charging: depot charging, overnight charging, destination charging, <\/span>or<\/span> public charging\u2014all of which vary in availability, speed, and cost.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

    Energy Efficiency<\/span><\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/td>\nDiesel engines are less efficient, with energy losses in combustion and transmission.<\/span><\/span><\/td>\nElectric drivetrains are significantly more efficient, converting over <\/span><\/span>77% of electrical energy from the grid into movement<\/span><\/span><\/a>. In contrast, internal combustion engines typically convert only about <\/span><\/span>12\u201330% of fuel energy<\/span><\/span><\/a> into motion. Additionally, regenerative braking systems can recover up to <\/span><\/span>14% of energy normally lost during braking<\/span><\/span><\/a>, further boosting overall efficiency.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

    Emissions<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nHigh CO\u2082 and particulate emissions contribute to air pollution and climate change.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nZero tailpipe emissions contribute to improved air quality and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    However, <\/span>it\u2019s<\/span> important to consider CO\u2082 equivalents in the overall energy efficiency comparison, especially Scope 2 emissions. The carbon footprint of electric vehicles varies significantly depending on the energy mix used for electricity generation. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Using renewable energy sources for charging can <\/span>greatly reduce<\/span> emissions and mitigate country-to-country differences.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

    Maintenance Requirements<\/span><\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nRegular maintenance <\/span>needed<\/span> for engines, exhaust systems, and fuel components<\/span>.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nLower maintenance needs due to fewer moving parts; however, battery health monitoring is essential.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

    Operational Costs<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nFuel costs fluctuate with oil prices; maintenance costs can be high over time.<\/span><\/span><\/td>\nLower operational costs due to cheaper electricity and reduced maintenance needs, though battery replacement can be costly\u2014especially when charging at the depot. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Charging in public networks can be significantly more expensive and less predictable, which can <\/span>impact<\/span> overall operational costs.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

    Regulatory Compliance<\/span><\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/td>\nSubject to stringent emissions regulations, especially in urban areas, including the emergence of Zero Emission Zones (ZEZ)<\/span> in<\/span> several countries that restrict or ban high-emission commercial vehicles.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/td>\nOften eligible for incentives and exemptions in low-emission zones; however, battery disposal regulations are evolving.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

     <\/p>\n

    While these differences shape how fleets <\/span>operate<\/span> today, they also set the stage for both exciting opportunities and complex challenges that come with adopting electric vehicles.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

    Understanding the opportunities and challenges of EV Fleets<\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Often, the industry assumes switching to electric vehicles (EVs) is a simple swap, but it requires a whole new approach to route planning and fleet management.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    The transition to electric trucks offers tremendous potential for reducing emissions and cutting operational costs. However, this shift also comes with a unique set of challenges that logistics companies must navigate to unlock its full benefits.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Challenges<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

    One of the biggest hurdles is the <\/span>high upfront capital cost<\/span><\/b>\u2014both for electric trucks and the necessary charging infrastructure. Unlike diesel fleets, electric vehicle (EV) operations demand <\/span>high vehicle utilization<\/span><\/b> and <\/span>optimized routing<\/span><\/b> to be economically viable. Without these operational efficiencies, EVs risk being more expensive to run.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Additionally, <\/span>electricity pricing<\/span><\/b> varies significantly across markets, directly impacting the cost competitiveness of EVs. Driver behavior also plays a crucial role\u2014practices like eco-driving and strategic charging schedules are no longer optional but essential to avoid battery range limitations.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Finally, the evolving regulatory environment, including carbon pricing mechanisms like the European Emissions Trading System (ETS II), adds complexity but also opportunity.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Opportunities<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Rising carbon prices\u2014projected to reach up to <\/span>\u20ac149 per ton by 2030<\/span><\/a>\u2014are a powerful accelerator of EV adoption, with every \u20ac50 increase improving EV economics by approximately 2-3% compared to diesel.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Operational optimizations, such as <\/span>drop trailers, smart routing, and overnight charging<\/span><\/b>, can reduce costs by up to <\/span>10% below diesel prices by 2030<\/span><\/a>. Real-world collaborations, like the <\/span>partnership between Nestl\u00e9 and SENNDER in Germany<\/span><\/a>, demonstrate that integrating EVs into dedicated transport flows with reliable charging and green electricity procurement is both feasible and cost-effective today.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Early adopters who proactively invest in infrastructure, operational planning, and energy strategies will not only reduce emissions but gain a significant competitive advantage as the market accelerates.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”28812″ img_size=”500×500″ css=””][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

    The rise of hybrid fleets<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

    The reality is most carriers won\u2019t switch to 100% electric overnight. Diesel fleets aren\u2019t disappearing anytime soon, but EV adoption is accelerating, meaning planners must manage both. This mix introduces unique challenges: routing rules for diesel don\u2019t always apply to EVs, which have different range limits, charging requirements, and depot availabilities. Adding sustainability KPIs further increases operational complexity.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    When managing electric fleets, it\u2019s critical to use solutions designed for their specific needs such as real-time battery range monitoring, smart charging point integration, and dynamic route adjustments that maximize efficiency and minimize downtime. These capabilities not only enhance planning accuracy but also ensure that fleets meet delivery commitments sustainably and cost-effectively.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Read about the award-winning tool that is leading the way in EV fleet efficiency here.<\/span><\/b><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    At the same time, some companies prefer to enhance their existing systems rather than switch platforms entirely. For them, <\/span>PTV Developer\u2019s Routing API<\/span><\/b><\/a> offers flexible integration of precise EV routing features addressing challenges like range estimation, charging station availability, and heterogeneous fleet management, allowing logistics teams to maintain control while accelerating their transition to electric vehicles.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

    How to <\/span>optimize<\/span> routes for EV and diesel fleets<\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

    Managing a mixed fleet of electric and diesel vehicles means balancing very different operational needs. Each type has unique range limits, refueling or charging requirements, load capacities, and route preferences. So how can fleet managers keep operations efficient and reliable?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    It starts with intelligent route planning that goes beyond simple point-to-point navigation.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Here are some of the key strategies for optimizing routes both EV and diesel fleets:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n