SP EC I A L FE AT U R E Finnish company Niemi aims to be carbon neutral by 2030 Manager at Niemi, said: Because the distances are so far (across Finland and beyond) electricity is not yet a viable option... we still need a little bit more range. And an improved coverage in continental Europe (in terms of a charging network). Niemi aims to be carbon neutral by 2030 and, as well as changing its fleet, is among those who use sustainable packing materials and manage an overall company sustainability programme. James Carter, strategist at Future Mobility Conservatively, an electric truck will save its operators over 50 per cent in operating costs. Anyone running a diesel truck will be drastically uncompetitive 26 We must do something Hyrynen added: The main driver is that we have to do something. Were on a very unsustainable platform, thinking about fossil fuels in general. So, we must have some solutions on the emission side, and because were going to run out of fossil fuels at some point. We have to look at alternatives and, better early than later (to adopt them). Because of forthcoming legislation, he believes those companies that dont convert to alternative power sources will get left behind. For Niemi and others who are adopting new, lower carbon technology, the motivation is about doing the right thing. But in the longer term, despite the considerable upfront investment cost, new technology may prove a good economic decision too. Hyrynen says that, while electricity prices are currently high in areas including Europe, in the long run, electricity is also probably going to be cheaper than diesel. While the investment price in electric-powered trucks compared with diesel may look unfavourable, the balance is shifting, and electric vehicles are becoming increasingly practical for fleet operators running shorter distance routes. Significant cost savings A study for EU cleaner transport campaign group Transport & Environment says the transition to electric disruptors should happen faster than some may predict. By 2035, 99.8 per cent of new electric freight trucks will be cheaper to own and run than diesel trucks, while carrying the same weight of goods over the same distance and journey time. In most cases, electric trucks will beat diesel trucks on the total cost of ownership even sooner, it says. Writing about the survey on LinkedIn, James Carter, strategist at Future Mobility, said the findings are significant because of the cost savings in running fleets. Conservatively, an electric truck will save its operators over 50 per cent in operating costs, which means a complete transformation for freight and logistics, he writes. Anyone running a diesel truck will be drastically uncompetitive. While cost is also a problem for fuel cell