The debate surrounding overhead line trucks, also known as trolley trucks or electric trucks, has attracted considerable attention in the transport industry. Especially last year, when the media reported the failure of this multi-million-euro project, some taxpayers in the logistics sector were moved to tears. Comments included, "This could have been foreseen," and accusations of the supposed pipe dreams of ideologically driven politicians. And this technology isn't exactly innovative either, because anyone who travels regularly in Eastern European countries like Poland or the Czech Republic has probably already encountered trolleybuses or overhead line buses. Combustion engine vehicles with electric drives and overhead lines were already being developed over 100 years ago.
Initially, overhead-line trucks were touted as a promising solution for reducing CO2 emissions in freight transport. However, closer examination reveals numerous weaknesses and challenges. The reality of overhead-line trucks is proving to be far more complex and less efficient than initially assumed. While a pilot project between Lübeck and Reinfeld did halve CO2 emissions, these results should not obscure the fundamental problems inherent in this technology.
Considering the immense costs associated with building a comprehensive overhead line infrastructure in Europe, such a project not only consumes enormous financial resources but also leads to regular road closures for maintenance work, resulting in additional economic burdens. Furthermore, the need for diesel propulsion remains, as trucks must also operate on routes without overhead lines.
New perspectives for existing infrastructure investments
But what will happen to the routes already equipped with overhead line technology? After all, taxpayers have already invested €190 million here, and this shouldn't just be seen as an industrial subsidy for the companies involved, but also as an investment in the future and sustainability of our economy. A potential answer to this question could be the key to a possible innovation. Instead of writing these routes off as a bad investment, we could use them as testbeds for further developed technologies that maximize charging efficiency while driving and simultaneously reduce operating costs.
One innovative approach could be to strategically use overhead lines to charge trucks while they are driving on specific sections of the route. This method would allow electric trucks to be used much more efficiently without them having to stop for extended periods to charge – a process that generates no revenue and still requires the driver to be paid.
The perpetual waste of taxpayers' money in transport projects
In an environment where the political landscape is increasingly focused on pure electric drives and the availability of charging stations remains limited, this form of "dynamic charging" could be truly advanced and efficient. It would allow transport companies to reap the benefits of electrification without relying on lengthy charging stops.
Whether this would be practical or feasible in any way, I unfortunately don't know myself. But if we don't want to constantly throw taxpayers' money out the window on useless projects, then considering the optimization and further development of projects that have already been paid for is surely the most obvious solution.
Effective use of taxpayers' money
The history of failed transportation projects in Germany is unfortunately often a chronicle of waste. Billions of taxpayers' money have already been poured into projects whose benefits remain questionable. This fact raises an important question: Shouldn't we require a certain level of professional qualification for key positions in ministries? The decision-makers who determine the allocation of such enormous sums should possess a profound understanding of the technologies and strategies they advocate.
It is time for us to critically examine the true costs and benefits of transport infrastructure projects and focus on more future-proof, efficient solutions. The vision of sustainable logistics requires innovative ideas that are practically feasible and do not come at the expense of economic viability or taxpayers.
