Digital Spine and Multiple Platforms: Integrating Logistics, Data, Connectivity, and Energy for Electric Commercial Vehicles

As the world shifts to the electrification of road transportation, the role of electric commercial vehicles (ECVs) is becoming increasingly significant in reducing carbon emissions. However, integrating ECVs into the transportation sector presents complex challenges. This research explores and expands on the concept of the digital spine (DS) in the multiplatform ECV ecosystem. The digital spine complements the physical infrastructure to enhance operational efficiency. Despite its potential, current research gaps highlight the need for focused studies on digital spine implementation for ECVs. This paper addresses this gap by: (1) exploring the drivers and challenges of implementing the digital spine within the ECV ecosystem, considering technological, economic, and regulatory perspectives; (2) exploring the role and potential benefits of the digital spine in the ECV ecosystem; and (3) redefining the digital spine as a governance model that integrates logistics, cloud data, mobile connectivity, and energy layers to ensure optimised ecosystem functionality. The findings highlight the role of the digital spine in integrating critical infrastructure and facilitating cross-layer interactions and interoperability in a multiplatform ecosystem.