Enhancing the Viability of Battery-Electric Trucks in Long-Distance Freight Transport: Assessing the User Acceptance of Overhead Line Technology

The impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly noticeable, highlighting the need for the transport sector to minimize CO₂ emissions. Battery-electric trucks (BEVs) offer a promising solution for reducing emissions in heavy-duty road transport. However, their limited range and long charging times reduce their overall attractiveness and usability. Dynamic charging via overhead line technology addresses these challenges by enabling trucks to additionally charge while driving, extending their range and reducing reliance on stationary charging. The “BEV Goes eHighway” (BEE) project investigates user acceptance and technical feasibility of this technology, focusing on retrofitting pantographs to existing BEVs. To integrate perspectives from decision-makers and users, an expert survey (N = 12 logistics specialists) and a pilot field study (N = 7 truck drivers) were conducted. Over 80% of experts supported integrating pantograph-equipped trucks into their fleets, with purchase price, operating costs, and maintenance costs being key factors. The field study tested two pantograph-equipped trucks—one battery-electric and one hybrid—revealing overall ease of use, but also optimization potential. Challenges include pantograph connection in poor weather and increased cognitive workload due to precise lane keeping. Users suggested improvements such as auditory and visual feedback and automated pantograph control. The results emphasize the dependence of a successful implementation on technological and infrastructural advancements as well as user acceptance. Future efforts should focus on improving pantograph reliability, automating key processes, and expanding field studies to validate scalability and usability.