The future of urban load handling is clean
Urban planners and logistics leaders are embracing a new vision for a better tomorrow: clean cities. At the heart of this vision are low and zero-emission zones where only vehicles with zero tailpipe emissions are welcome.
“As the world moves towards more livable and sustainable cities, low and zero-emission zones impact our customers' daily operations and long-term strategic planning,” says Sanna Ahonen, EVP Strategy and Sustainability at Hiab. “Hiab’s vision is to be the number one partner in smart and sustainable load handling solutions — helping customers thrive in clean cities is at the core of what we want to achieve.”
There are over 300 low-emission zones in European cities today, and nearly 150 cities across the globe are planning or implementing such areas. Many cities, states and countries also offer incentive programmes for companies switching to low-emission and electric equipment. This change is needed, as urban areas are responsible for 70 percent of global CO2 emissions, with transport being among the largest contributors.
Solutions for thriving in tomorrow’s cities
Hiab’s eco portfolio is specifically designed to help customers thrive in tomorrow’s urban environments. These solutions focus on electrification, alternative energy sources and a wide offering of services.
“Take our ePTO (Electric Power Take-Off) systems, for example,” says Ahonen. “These systems allow loader cranes to operate with the truck engine off, which means zero exhaust fumes and very quiet operation. This is perfect for urban, indoor or discreet deliveries.”
Similarly, the eMOFFETT, the world's first all-electric truck-mounted forklift, and our MULTILIFT eULTIMA hooklift enable nearly silent operation and do not generate any tailpipe emissions. These features extend work hours in places where noise and emissions can restrict access - such as city centres.
Beyond the hardware, Hiab's services, digital tools and expertise help customers make the most of the new urban environment. Hiab HiConnect monitors things like fuel consumption, idle times and even emissions in near real-time. This helps customers pinpoint inefficiencies and reduce both their environmental footprint and operational costs. In addition, many of our products have automated and digital features that automate repetitive tasks, increase safety, reduce stress on the crane structure and help prevent damage, all leading to higher uptime and efficiency.
“We also offer expertise in fleet optimisation by helping customers select just the right equipment and configurations,” says Ahonen. “We guide them through the whole process, including advice on integrating electric solutions.”
A better tomorrow for cities and people
As cities evolve, so will the demands on logistics and HIab’s business. Hiab continuously develops its existing eco portfolio solutions and innovates new ones to ensure that customer fleets remain competitive, with a strong focus on electric and hybrid equipment.
“The HIAB wspr, for example, is a hybrid plug-in loader crane with a battery and a diesel-engine backup,” says Ahonen. “This gives customers maximum flexibility and ensures they get performance comparable to conventional solutions without any trade-offs in power or reliability. Our products are also increasingly designed with enhanced maneuverability, which allows them to navigate tight and busy urban spaces with ease.”
Clean and smart cities are here to stay. What does a better urban tomorrow look like for Hiab?
“We see a future where logistics operations within cities are emission free, nearly silent, highly automated and integrated with smart city infrastructure,” says Ahonen. “Vehicles are fully powered by renewable energy sources, and they are equipped with electric load handling solutions that are made with fossil-free steel and operate almost autonomously. Fleets are using advanced AI to leverage real-time data to optimise routes and performance, predict maintenance needs and reduce environmental impact.”
From Hiab’s perspective, the principles of circular economy will also be key. Products will be designed for longevity, repairability and recyclability. Recycled materials and take-back programmes will become the standard.
And, of course, a better future can only be built through collaboration. Hiab works with truck manufacturers, city planners and other technology providers to develop integrated solutions and help establish common standards for sustainable urban logistics.
“For me personally, it is important that cities and surrounding suburbs become better and cleaner for the people who live in them,” says Ahonen. “As Hiab, we can empower our customers to make this happen - and keep everyday life moving in a more sustainable urban environment.”
More about the topic
Globally, 35 cities have committed to designating a major area of the city as a zero-emission area by 2030 via the Green and Healthy Streets Accelerator. Green and Healthy Streets Accelerator. The Accelerator establishes evidence-based, high-impact actions that signatory cities commit to delivering, and that other cities can also adopt.
A total of 112 cities participate in the EU Cities Mission for climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030. The designated cities receive tailor-made advice and support to reach climate neutrality by 2030 and inspire other cities to follow suit by 2050.
Low-emission zones are areas where the most polluting vehicles are regulated, either by restricting access altogether or paying a fee to enter the zone.
Zero-emission zones are areas in which only vehicles with zero tailpipe emissions have unrestricted access, with fossil-fuel vehicles either prohibited from entry or required to pay a fee for access.