At 5 million euros a year, the extra payload is only worth supermarket stores Where are they within the municipality of Athens from carrying out its recent decision Region Attica on the ban on the movement of trucks over 2 tons from 9 o’clock in the morning. until 21:00 In fact, the above cost is considered based on conservative calculations, since it takes into account that only two people should be employed in each store to receive goods in the evening, one of whom should be responsible for security. Another 5 million are calculated for additional wage costs for the implementation of the decision of the region in three more municipalities of Attica, the municipalities of Ilioupoli, Galatsi and Dafni Imitto.

The operational and, above all, security problems caused by the contested decision of the Attica region, of course, affect not only supermarkets, but all retailers, from large retail chains to kiosks. However, in supermarkets there is mostly a lack of alternatives, as the nature of the goods requires large trucks rather than light ones (vans). Even assuming that electric vehicles can be used to transport goods, this does not apply to goods requiring refrigeration, because such electric vehicles simply do not exist.

The problems already created by this decision, which was put into effect immediately from January 1, 2023, without granting any transitional period for the preparation of enterprises, were discussed in a teleconference in which the Hellenic Retail Business Association (SELPE), among others, participated scientifically -Research Institute for Consumer Goods Retailing, Hellenic Logistics, stand representatives, etc.

Supermarkets and retailers are asking for a six-month transition period. Why electric vans are not the answer.

It is noted that there are 1,280 supermarkets in Attica, of which 193 are in Athens, while companies estimate that the cost of imposing a truck ban is many times higher than the profitability of these stores. In addition to retailers, there are also costs for industries and suppliers in general, as many deliver goods directly to stores, meaning they will have to re-plan routes and deliver goods during the evening hours if they do not want to be “crowding” on street. streets and outside of shops – especially since shops in Athens rarely have a parking space – for two hours between 7 and 9 am. It is noted that until 7 o’clock in the morning. they can’t unload the goods as it’s normal quiet time.

How viable is a solution using electric vans? The cost of purchasing an electric van with a gross weight of 2.5 tons and a payload of 600-750 kg ranges from 38,000 to 45,000 euros, and in the case of leasing, the cost of one vehicle is 350-400 euros per month. But there are other practical points: although these vans theoretically have a range of 200 km, when loaded, it is reduced to 120-150 km.

Among the proposals that agencies are expected to make in the state is that there should be a transitional period even after the fact, such as implementing the solution after 6 months or initially only in the ring, and also allowing them to move freely all watches and trucks running on natural gas.