Abstract
Abstract
Electrifying the heavy‑duty vehicle (HDV) segment represents a critical step in the broader transition toward sustainable freight transport. However, unlike the electrification of passenger mobility, the shift within HDVs extends well beyond replacing the powertrain technology. It necessitates substantial adjustments in operational practices, coordination mechanisms, and the development of digital solutions that can ensure predictable, efficient logistics for a sector driven by strict time constraints and complex routing needs.
Among these emerging digital needs, many see booking systems for high‑power HDV charging as necessary to enable reliable access to charging infrastructure and for optimising both grid utilisation and fleet operations. Despite this, limited research has examined what such systems should look like, who should develop and operate them, and how they can support interoperability across diverse actors and markets.
This study investigates alternative concepts for booking systems tailored to the charging of electric HDVs. Drawing on a comprehensive literature review, an assessment of relevant technical standards and communication protocols, and 25 semi‑structured interviews with logistics managers, transport planners, professional drivers, technology providers, charge point operators (CPOs), vehicle manufacturers (OEMs), and public authorities in Norway, the study identifies key user needs, functional requirements, and systemic considerations for designing effective booking solutions.
The analysis show that stakeholders widely emphasise the importance of avoiding digital fragmentation and ensuring interoperability through the adoption of open standards, roaming functionality, real‑time and high‑quality data sharing, and seamless integration with existing fleet management, route planning, and energy management systems.
The findings also show that ownership and business models for such booking systems could evolve along multiple pathways. These range from market‑driven solutions developed and operated by commercial actors to more coordinated or regulated frameworks aimed at guaranteeing equal access, data transparency, and cross‑network functionality. To illustrate the diversity of possible development trajectories, the study outlines four conceptual models for future booking systems, each representing a different balance of market forces, public involvement, and sectoral coordination which could shape the deployment of HDV charging infrastructure in Europe and beyond.