Together with the electromobility research centre MOBI, we collaborated on the development of a new TCO tool for electric trucks: LOGIBAT. Mobilise was responsible to give form to the different logistics profiles, as such making sure that the variety in logistics is integrated in the TCO tool.
About the tool:
The tool was developed as a support for the sector to calculate the impact of the transition, both from a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) aspect, and from the environmental impact.
The tool is easy to use. As a first step, the user can select default vehicles after which he can immediately compare TCO results between the selected vehicles. For example, the difference in total cost between the vehicles can be displayed using a bar graph. Thereby, the proportion between the included cost components (e.g. purchase price, fuel cost, maintenance) per vehicle is also visible.
It is also possible to adjust the parameters according to the user's own needs (e.g. distance to be driven per day, load, purchase prices, energy prices, etc.). These adjustments can easily be made manually in the field, or by using a slider. Once the adjustments are made, the graphs are also updated.
Even though the tool is based on mainly theoretical models, the flexibility of the tool makes it possible to approach the real situation very closely. Since the use of the vehicles may vary in different ways (application, charging, financial institution, etc.), the vehicles' allowable load, the number of km driven per day and its influence on consumption, range, number of charging sessions, etc. will thus be taken into account. If the vehicles require additional equipment, its impact on battery capacity will also be taken into account.
In addition to the TCO results, a sensitivity analysis can also be performed for some of the parameters. In this case, the user himself can indicate the sensitivity limits he or she would like to check. There is also the possibility of comparing a range of vehicles for different applications. This comparison is displayed in the form of a heatmap that clearly indicates which vehicle scores better on TCO for the selected applications.
The last function is the optimization of the battery size in the vehicle, in order to check the battery needs according to the use.
The results are always displayed on a graph and can also be exported to a report (PDF file).