Electrifying Off-Site Transports of Construction Production

The transition to sustainable energy sources is critical for reducing emissions from construction operations. Electrification of road transport represents a promising approach, with growing relevance for construction logistics. This chapter examines the operational, environmental, and systemic implications of adopting electric transport within the construction supply chain. Focusing on the Swedish context, the study identifies key prerequisites for large-scale implementation, including infrastructure, planning practices, and stakeholder coordination. Empirical data were gathered through interviews and on-site observations. This study provides practical insights for construction practitioners, such as developers, contractors, suppliers, and transport providers, considering or implementing electric transport. It highlights the increased planning complexity and coordination needs compared to diesel operations, emphasizing the importance of centralized, data-driven route planning and long-term planning horizons. Key enablers for scaling electrification include shared logistics infrastructure, long-term contracts, driver training, and access to specialized repair services. The findings also stress the need for integrated policy and urban planning that supports charging infrastructure tailored to construction logistics. Overall, the study underscores that a successful transition to electrified transport requires system-wide collaboration and alignment between operational practices and macro-level planning and policy frameworks.