Researchers at the Fraunhofer IML have been investigating the noise emissions of alternative drive systems (battery-electric, gas, hydrogen) during delivery processes in urban areas for some time. This research has resulted in a "Handbook for Low-Noise Logistics," which has now been presented to the Ministry of the Environment in North Rhine-Westphalia.
The logistical supply of city centers is accompanied by the well-known volume of traffic. Shifting this traffic to off-peak and nighttime hours could alleviate congestion. However, a large portion of the population feels disturbed and bothered, as nighttime rest is a highly valued and legally protected right. This handbook provides, for the first time, reliable data on shifting traffic to less congested times of day through the use of alternative drive systems.
U. Clausen, O. Krischer. Photos: IML
The new EU fleet fuel consumption regulations are leading to an increasing number of commercial vehicles with quieter drive systems entering the market. However, until now, the responsible authorities in local communities lacked reliable data on the noise emissions of these vehicles. The mobility study "Low-Noise Logistics," which received €506,700 in funding, developed recommendations for using this new data and implementing low-noise logistics processes.
The handbook closes the knowledge gap and provides concrete values for emission approaches, enabling the assessment of low-noise delivery situations. A key finding of the mobility study is the newly collected sound emission values for alternatively powered commercial vehicles, which have not been the focus of previous standard works. These values demonstrate that the vehicles in question are significantly quieter. The mobility study, it states, thus provides the basis for evaluating specific low-noise logistics projects in accordance with noise pollution control regulations.
“The aim is to establish a mobility policy in which the environment and transport serve as joint drivers for the urgently needed nature and climate protection, for greater sustainability and a higher quality of life,” said NRW Environment Minister Oliver Krischer at the handover.
Professor Uwe Clausen, head of the Fraunhofer IML institute, on city-compatible freight transport: "Shifting transport to off-peak and nighttime hours offers logistical advantages (...). This creates incentives to increasingly use commercial vehicles with battery-electric or hydrogen drives.".
The event featured the presentation of a low-noise truck and low-noise logistics equipment, followed by a panel discussion with stakeholders from municipalities, trade, logistics service providers, research and politics.
Mapping
Currently, Fraunhofer IML is building on the study results from the first project phase in a follow-up project. By the project's end in March 2026, knowledge gaps, particularly regarding the practical impact of employee behavior during loading and unloading processes and the handling equipment used at the branches, are to be closed.
By continuing the research project, North Rhine-Westphalia will remain a pioneer in low-noise logistics. The findings from the mobility studies will support the implementation of lower noise levels throughout Germany.
The "Handbook of Low-Noise Logistics" is available for free download here.
