NextETRUCK project partners CENEX Nederland and CENEX UK have developed the KITE tool to support logistics operations in transitioning to battery-electric trucks. This free, online platform aligns with NextETRUCK’s mission to create new business opportunities and encourage the widespread adoption of Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) by providing practical, data-driven tools for fleet managers.
At the heart of NextETRUCK’s scope is to simplify the transition to zero-emission freight. A key objective within this mission is the development of a vehicle architecture design tool for optimised Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) reduction. The KITE tool delivers on this objective by enabling iterative evaluation of vehicle and infrastructure choices through a TCO and environmental impact lens.
KITE empowers users by simulating the cost implications, energy usage, and emissions impacts of switching from diesel to electric trucks, based on real fleet data. Users can input operational specifics such as vehicle type, daily distance, and charging needs to receive tailored insights on feasibility, cost-efficiency, and infrastructure planning.
What KITE can do
- Route Prioritisation by TCO: Identifies which routes are most economically viable for electrification.
- Vehicle to route matching: Identifies which vehicles are best suited to meet a given route and payload mission while still being economic
- Charging Infrastructure Assessment: Estimates the charging needs and investment required at depots.
- Business Case Development: Supports financial planning and estimates infrastructure investment needs.
- Impact Monitoring: Calculates the environmental benefits of fleet electrification.
The tool currently contains data from seven European countries: the Netherlands, the UK, Germany, France, Turkey, Belgium, and Spain, with more to come. It’s accessible in both Dutch and English, with other languages on the roadmap.
KITE is completely free to access, reflecting the project’s commitment to equitable and widespread decarbonisation. By removing financial and technical barriers it brings advanced fleet analysis and transition planning to everyone.
Bridging policy and practice
KITE directly supports the NextETRUCK goal of TCO optimisation and component integration, contributing to Europe’s broader climate goals by accelerating the electrification of freight, a sector that accounts for 25% of transport-related emissions. As the EU targets a 90% emissions reduction by 2040, tools like KITE are essential for turning policy into action.