Electrification of DB Schenker’s Vehicle Fleet: Optimizing Digital Systems and Charging Infrastructure

Abstract

This thesis explores the electrification of DB Schenker’s collection and distribution (CoDi) fleet at a Swedish terminal, referred to as The Terminal. The purpose is to identify the challenges involved in electrifying the CoDi-fleet at The Terminal and to suggest solutions focused on two critical areas: charging management systems (CMS) and physical charging infrastructure (CI). The end goal is to develop a practical approach that enables DB Schenker to implement an efficient and dependable charging terminal system for its regional CoDi-fleet.

The study employs several data collection and analysis techniques including a literature review, expert interviews, field observations, and data analysis. Through this methodology, the study identifies technical, operational and economic challenges related to the design, implementation, and operation of these systems. Furthermore, the report outlines the requirements for scalable and efficient charging solutions and evaluates multiple infrastructure layout scenarios.

The findings indicate several challenges associated with implementing both the CI and the CMS, including grid load management, cybersecurity concerns, and the need for cost-effective deployment with minimal disruption to operations. Taking into account the specific needs and constraints of The Terminal, the study proposes a tailored CI design and implementation plan along with a three-phase CMS rollout strategy.

Popular Abstract

Electrification of DB Schenker’s Vehicle Fleet: Optimizing Digital Systems and Charging Infrastructure

This thesis investigates the electrification of DB Schenker’s regional collection and distribution (CoDi) fleet at a Swedish terminal. The findings indicate several challenges associated with implementing both the Charging Infrastructure (CI) and the Charging Management Systems (CMS), including grid load management, cybersecurity concerns, and the need for cost-effective deployment with minimal disruption to operations. Taking into account the specific needs and constraints of The Terminal, the study proposes a tailored CI design and implementation plan along with a three-phase CMS rollout strategy.

With climate goals tightening across the EU and transport emissions under scrutiny, logistics companies are under growing pressure to reduce their environmental impact. Road freight, responsible for around 10% of total EU greenhouse gas emissions, must pivot rapidly toward more sustainable alternatives. Among the most promising solutions is the electrification of fleets, particularly through the use of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) with stationary charging.

However, implementing this shift isn’t simple. Logistics operations are complex, and switching to electric fleets involves technological, economic, and operational challenges. These include questions of grid capacity, high investment costs, charging coordination, and infrastructure planning. For DB Schenker, the electrification of its Swedish fleet represents both an opportunity and a challenge. Before scaling across the Nordics, the company chose to explore this transition at one key terminal, referred to as “The Terminal”, to evaluate the feasibility and design of a scalable solution.

The thesis studied the potential for full electrification of DB Schenker’s CoDi-fleet at The Terminal with a focus on two critical areas: the CI and the charging management system CMS. The goal is to identify the main challenges and propose viable solutions for implementing a robust CI and CMS. This was done through literature review of CI and CMS, field observations at The Terminal, interviews with DB Schenker employees and external experts as well as data analysis.
The findings reveal key challenges regarding both CI and CMS. Infrastructure obstacles include physical layout constraints, grid connectivity issues, and the complexity of balancing costs and charging power. Meanwhile, there are CMS challenges related to system integration and cybersecurity while most CMS focus on public charging and lack essential features for fleet operations.
A three-phase CMS implementation plan is recommended, beginning with a cloud-based pilot project, followed by an on-premise deployment and concluding with full system operation. Additionally, a tailored CI layout is recommended. This balances costs, safety and operational efficiency, including a mixed deployment of AC and DC chargers.

The thesis concludes that while electrification is feasible, it is crucial with early integration of CMS into infrastructure planning, strategic charger placement, and proactive management of operational challenges. With these factors in place, DB Schenker can scale this model to other terminals across the Nordics.

• author: Frändberg, Niklas and Alpen, David
• supervisor: Johan Marklund
• organization: Department of Mechanical Engineering Sciences; Production Management
• course: MIOM05 20251
• year: 2025
• type: H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
• subject: Technology and Engineering
• keywords: Keywords: Electrification, Charging Infrastructure, Charging Management System, DB Schenker, Electric Vehicles, Logistics, Fleet Management
• other publication id: 25/5311
• language: English
• id: 9193805
• date added to LUP: 2025-06-17 16:39:02
• date last changed: 2025-06-17 16:39:02