Third Shift2Zero user workshop held in Bologna to co-create sustainable urban logistics solutions
On July 2–3, 2025, the Shift2Zero project held a two-day stakeholder workshop in Bologna (Italy), hosted by Gruber Logistics’ Bologna branch. The event brought together logistics operators, public authorities, technical providers, and researchers to co-develop practical solutions for zero-emission urban freight transport.
Co-organised by the Institute for Automotive Engineering (IKA) and Gruber Logistics, the workshop focused on aligning electric light commercial vehicle (e-LCV) design with the realities of daily logistics operations. Participants explored key challenges such as limited parking near delivery locations, tight time windows linked to ZTL rules, and the need for ergonomic and compact vehicles tailored to historic city centres.Day 1 featured a presentation of Gruber’s last-mile delivery model, a collaborative session identifying logistics workflow needs, and a visit to Gruber’s warehouse and operations centre. IKA led an interactive session on vehicle design, incorporating feedback from drivers on safety, visibility, and vehicle usability.
In particular, the session main takeaways were that drivers have difficulty in parking near delivery locations, due to limited urban space and often occupation of the loading/unloading reserved spots by unauthorised vehicles. Another issue is the tight time constraints linked to ZTL access rules and narrow time windows, and lastly, safety concerns related to traffic, visibility, and interactions with cyclists and pedestrians.
On Day 2, participants walked through Bologna’s historic centre to observe real-time deliveries, concluding at a nearby urban microhub for an open discussion on infrastructure integration in sustainable logistics. The Municipality of Bologna and the Institute for Transport and Logistics Foundation (ITL) facilitated this exchange, highlighting the city’s long-term urban mobility strategy. The workshop provided input for developing next-generation zero-emission vehicles in Shift2Zero, ensuring they meet operational, regulatory, and sustainability needs in complex urban environments.
During the workshop, participants emphasised the importance of a targeted analysis of the different logistics workflows and their specific characteristics. They stressed the need for clear and consistent regulations across zones and time windows, as well as the development of compact, modular vehicle designs suitable for historic city centers.
