Minimal CO₂ emissions and costs

Mapping the flow of goods in real time to make logistics even safer, more efficient and more ecological: the retail company Migros already has this capability.

Three hydrogen trucks from the Swiss retailer’s logistics fleet, which is as sustainable as possible, in front of the Migros building near Limmatplatz in Zurich. Source: Migros

Together with Empa and ETH, Migros has developed a special analysis tool with a fuel consumption and CO_₂ module for its truck fleet. The aim is to ensure optimum coordination of the use of diesel, biogas, hydrogen and/or electric trucks so as to be able to calculate store deliveries at the greatest possible CO_₂ reduction and at the lowest possible cost – even before the Migros truck sets off on its journey. “Sustainability has always been a major factor for Migros. This newly developed, innovative tool will help us achieve our target of a 70% reduction in CO_₂ emissions in road traffic by 2030, thereby consolidating our position as one of the most sustainable retailers in the world,” says Rainer Deutschmann, Director of Safety and Transport, Migros-Genossenschafts-Bund. But what exactly does the tool called M Opex Tower do? Thomas Wunderli, Deputy Head of the Safety and Traffic Directorate, explained the main details exclusively to CNG-Mobility.ch.

Screenshot of the CO₂-Insights tool. Source: Migros

Mr Wunderli, why all the effort? Wouldn’t it have been sufficient simply to assess the ideal drive variant when procuring the vehicle?
Thomas Wunderli, Deputy Head of the Safety and Traffic Directorate with Migros-Genossenschaft-Bund: Firstly the CO₂ Insights tool is able to calculate greenhouse gas emissions, i.e. CO₂ equivalents from ongoing operations. This information can then be used for various purposes such as reporting, communication with customers, etc. Calculation is possible according to different standards and is externally certified. Secondly, CO₂ Insights enables the right investment decisions to be made for a vehicle fleet: data from the past can read in, and the tool calculates which routes could be covered using sustainable, alternative drive technologies. On this basis we can determine how to develop the fleet in the future so as to continue to meet all requirements while at the same time minimising both CO₂ emissions and costs.

What are the benefits of the analysis tool and where is it used – “only” for trucks or for the entire vehicle fleet?
CO₂ Insights can be used both for truck fleets and for light commercial vehicles, i.e. delivery vans weighing up to 3.5 tonnes. And we’re currently working on an extension to include passenger cars.

What CO₂ saving potential does the analysis tool offer Migros?
We’ve determined our ambitious 2030 climate target based on calculations using CO₂ Insights: a 70% reduction in CO₂ emissions in road traffic. Thanks to digitalisation, Migros will be able to consistently pursue its path of reducing CO₂ and make freight transport as climate-friendly as possible. We’re already planning further acquisitions of environment-friendly transport trucks and the expansion of the filling station network for alternative powertrains. In addition, Migros has always relied on rail transport ever since its inception, so around 50% of its inland transport is still handled by rail. 400 SBB cargo rail carriages are out and about every day for Migros alone.

Source: Philippe Zimmermann/Empa

What were the biggest challenges in terms of developing the tool?
As so often, the devil is in the detail. However, agile, intensive cooperation with Empa – a research laboratory linked to ETH – ensured that we ended up with a professional and scientifically sound solution.

The planned reduction in the heavy goods vehicle charge (LSVA) for biogas trucks is likely to be a straightforward update, but other data and parameters geared towards achieving the greatest possible CO_₂ reduction at the lowest possible cost for the fleet are expected to change more frequently. How often will individual parameters be adjusted?
Calculation parameters that may change over time have been designed so that they can be adapted and customised. This gives us flexibility when it comes to responding to political changes and technological developments, for example.

In Basel, one of the Migros drivers is currently filling up with biogas so that his CNG truck can be as CO₂-neutral as possible. Source: CNG-Mobility.ch

The navigation giant HERE offered the analysis tool free of charge in the spring: is that simply the spirit of Migros founder “Dutti”, or are you seeking to gain more partners or data for the project?
Our CO₂ Insights tool is available to all interested companies. The strategic partnership with Here Technologies will enable us to attract companies around the world to CO₂ Insights, winning them over for decarbonisation in road transport.

What size fleet is the tool worth using for – “only” large fleets such as that of Migros, or SME fleets as well?
CO₂ Insights makes sense for all companies that want to make their vehicle fleet more sustainable. Depending on requirements, you can carry out an analysis on a one-off basis before making an investment decision or regularly adapt which vehicles are best used on which routes.

The Migros tool covers not only trucks, but also vans up to 3.5 tonnes – like the CNG-powered Iveco in the picture – and is now to be expanded to include passenger cars. Source: CNG-Mobility.ch

Are there already plans for further digitalisation steps and adaptations of the analysis tool?
One of the planned changes is the extension to include passenger cars, as mentioned.

Finally, a very topical issue: Hyundai had to slow down the massive expansion of its H₂ fleet in Switzerland that was originally planned, and this impacted on Migros’ plans to expand its own H₂ fleet. Will the tool help you find a replacement for the H₂ trucks, and what form will this replacement take?
Migros essentially pursues a multi-technology approach to road transport. This means that different drive technologies may be ideal, depending on the requirements. In addition to hydrogen trucks, we also use electric battery trucks and biogenic fuels such as biogas and biodiesel. Migros continues to believe in the H₂ ecosystem as part of a decarbonised transport future. (jas, 22 November 2022)

The 47 Hyundai Xcient Fuel Cells currently in use in Switzerland continue to fill up with green hydrogen, but current energy prices are forcing the H2 showcase project to make adjustments. Source: CNG-Mobility.ch