New delivery methods and business/operating models to green the last mile and optimise road transport

Last updated: 17.7.2025
Grant

The "New Delivery Methods and Business/Operating Models" program, part of Horizon Europe, aims to transform urban logistics by fostering safe, sustainable, and efficient last-mile transport solutions. It focuses on greening deliveries, optimizing road transport, and improving urban liveability through innovative approaches like e-cargo bikes and smart logistics hubs. This initiative distinguishes itself by requiring multi-city demonstrations and integrating social innovation, making it a comprehensive effort towards climate-neutral and smarter cities.

Who is Funded

This program targets various organizations and geographical areas within Europe, focusing on collaborative efforts to achieve its objectives of improving urban mobility and sustainability. The primary goal is to foster innovative and green last-mile delivery solutions, aligning with broader European Green Deal priorities.

What is Funded

This program supports projects focused on innovative solutions within urban transport and logistics, particularly those utilizing cleaner modes of delivery and advanced digital technologies. Funding is available for activities ranging from research and development to large-scale piloting and demonstration, aiming to bring new solutions to market and policy implementation.

Type and Scope of Funding

The program provides financial support in the form of grants, with a significant overall budget allocated for specific calls. While a maximum funding amount per project is not explicitly defined in the document, the substantial total budget indicates support for impactful initiatives. Co-financing rules apply based on general grant agreements, and projects are expected to align with the Horizon Europe program period.

Conditions and Requirements

Applicants must adhere to specific conditions for proposal submission and project implementation, including page limits, eligibility, and collaborative requirements. Financial capacity and exclusion criteria are also critical, aligning with standard Horizon Europe guidelines. Special attention is given to cooperation models and the integration of social innovation.

Application Procedure

The application process for this program follows a single-stage submission procedure, with evaluation criteria and processes clearly defined by Horizon Europe guidelines. Applicants are directed to specific documents and online resources for detailed instructions on proposal submission and the subsequent award process.

The program is fundamentally governed by the overarching legal framework of Horizon Europe, ensuring its mandate and operational parameters are clearly defined. A suite of legal texts and regulations underpin its implementation and financial management, providing transparency and adherence to EU policies.

Similar Programs

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Funding Overview

Funding Status

Funding Status:

Closed

Allocated Budget

Allocated Budget:

15,000,000 €

Deadline

Deadline:

19.10.2021

Open Until

Open Until:

31.12.2027

Award Channel

Award Channel:

Framework Programme Call

Region

Region:

European Union, with specific focus on urban and peri-urban areas, and areas experiencing rapid economic and social change. Projects must include at least three living lab cities and three follower cities, with at least one of each in an area undergoing rapid change.

Sectors

Sectors:

Transportation and Logistics, Information and Communication Technology, Research and Development, Service Sector, Environmental and Climate Protection, Other

Beneficiaries

Beneficiaries:

Cities, private logistics operators, local businesses

Application Type

Application Type:

Consortium Required

Funding Stages

Funding Stages:

Applied Research, Experimental Development, Prototyping, Pilot Testing, Market Introduction

Funding Provider

Program Level:

European Union

Funding Body:

European Union (Horizon Europe Framework Programme)

Additional Partners:

Local authorities, private logistics operators, local businesses, CIVITAS Initiative, European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), European Partnership on Connected, Cooperative and Automated Mobility (CCAM), European Partnership on Towards zero emission road transport (2ZERO), European Partnership on Driving Urban Transitions (DUT), European Partnership on Key digital technologies (KDT), European Partnership on Smart networks and services (SNS), European Partnership on AI, data and robotics (AI).

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