MAN Truck & Bus, in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML, recently took part in a groundbreaking study called the ‘Mobility Study on Low-Noise Logistics.’ The aim of the study, funded by the Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Transport of North Rhine-Westphalia, was to establish noise emission standards specifically for delivery vehicles.
As part of the study, MAN utilized a pre-production model of their upcoming MAN eTruck, set to be available to customers in 2024, to conduct real-world measurements alongside selected vehicles. The data collected during the study, which involved measurements carried out at the MAN test track in Munich, will contribute to the development of noise emission standards.
During the measurements, experts compared the noise levels of the MAN eTruck with a conventional diesel-powered MAN TGX 18.510, both weighing 40 tonnes. The results indicated that electric trucks, particularly at lower speeds, were perceived to be only half as loud as their diesel counterparts. Surprisingly, the diesel truck also demonstrated lower noise levels than previously assumed in the literature.
“The measurements show: Our new MAN eTrucks could also be used during off-peak hours, i.e., late in the evening or early in the morning,” stated Christoph Jeßberger, Product Strategy Manager at MAN. This flexibility opens up a wide range of applications and opportunities for customers, potentially enabling 24/7 usage, subject to legal regulations.
Acquiring permits for nighttime or off-peak hour deliveries can be challenging due to the lack of standardized noise emission data. To address this issue, the project manager at Fraunhofer IML, Daniela Kirsch, emphasized the importance of developing a manual on noise emissions from trucks with alternative drive systems. The manual would provide municipalities and permitting authorities with the necessary information to make informed decisions regarding nighttime deliveries in urban areas.
The study drew attention to the existing noise protection standard PIEK in the Netherlands, which certifies trucks and transport equipment for nighttime deliveries based on acoustic testing. However, in Germany, there is currently a lack of market overview and standardized information regarding noise emissions from alternatively powered commercial vehicles used in logistics. Kirsch highlighted the need for a solution similar to the PIEK certificate, which would serve as a valuable guide for companies navigating noise regulations.
The results of the ‘Mobility Study on Low-Noise Logistics’ are expected to be published in early 2024, contributing to the establishment of noise emission standards and providing valuable insights for the industry.
