Conceptualising Electrified Logistics Systems Through an Actor Perspective

Purpose: Electrification of freight trucks challenges logistics systems in many ways, for example the trucks have limited range, reduced payload, and charging needs to be included in the system. Current actors must adjust to new prerequisites while new actors enter the system, such as energy suppliers. Hence, there is a need to build an understanding of electrified logistics systems by focus on how central actors are connected to it. The purpose of the paper is to describe electrified logistics systems through an actor perspective. Research Approach: The paper targets how an electrified logistics system can be described and how actors are connected to the system. Empirical data is collected through interviews and workshops with representatives from actors who are actively working with electrification of freight transports. Findings and Originality: The findings showed that both traditional actors, such as logistics companies and transport buyers, and new actors, such as energy suppliers and charge point operators, are important in electrified logistics systems. Through conceptualisation of logistics systems and how actors are connected the system, the findings present a five-layer model. Research Impact: The paper provides a comprehensive identification of actors involved in electrification of freight transport, as well as, highlighting actors that are more central in the transition, something missing in the current literature. Practical Impact: Electrification forces logistics practitioners to alter their view of the logistic system and its actors. This paper provides a holistic view of the complex logistics systems the actors are a part of and can thereby help practitioners adjust to new prerequisites.