Internship | Bottom-up modelling of truck market and fleet development

This internship focuses on modelling the development of the Dutch truck fleet, with a direct impact on insights into decarbonization. You will work on the challenge of understanding the diversity in companies’ purchasing and sales behavior and translating this into a model that can ultimately be implemented in our bottom-up fleet model. This will lead to improved insights into future developments, such as the adoption rate of electric trucks.

You will become part of the Towards Zero Emission (TZE) team, where we perform system analyses that contribute to the decarbonization of the Dutch vehicle fleet..

In existing analyses of the development of the Dutch truck fleet, diversity in company characteristics and behavior is often not taken into account. As a result, reality is reduced to averages, and a broader perspective on the logistics sector is missing.

During this internship, you will work on developing a model that simulates purchasing and sales behavior at the level of individual companies. You will start with a data analysis of ownership, addressing questions such as: which types of companies purchase new trucks, and which primarily buy second-hand vehicles? Based on this, you will investigate which modelling approach is most suitable and develop a module for our bottom-up fleet model. Using this model, you will analyze what these improved insights mean for the expected adoption of electric trucks and which companies may lag behind in the transition.

You will translate your findings into clear conclusions and policy-relevant recommendations. In doing so, you contribute to a better understanding of the truck fleet transition and develop your skills in data analysis, modelling, and communicating results to both researchers and policymakers.

We are looking for a Master’s student in engineering management, econometrics, data science, (civil) engineering, or a similar (quantitative) field, with an interest in data analysis and modelling. You have some experience with programming, preferably in Python. You are analytical, pragmatic, and able to work in a structured way. Plus, a touch of creativity and out-of-the-box thinking will come in handy. It is important that you are curious, show initiative and enjoy working together on system analyses related to sustainability challenges. The internship preferably lasts 6 months; the exact duration and scope can be discussed. Naturally, we would like you to become an active part of the team and participate in knowledge sharing.

An internship at TNO means working in an environment where substance and impact are central. You will become part of a knowledge organisation where research and practice come together, and where experts collaborate on solutions to current societal and technological challenges.

Your internship is a period in which you can discover what suits you, where your strengths lie and what you would like to learn next. You are part of a professional working environment, gain insight into how things work in practice, and have the opportunity to build experience that goes beyond this internship alone. For many students, an internship is therefore also a first step in discovering whether TNO could be a potential next step after graduation.

In addition, we offer you:

• A professional and innovative internship environment in which you actively contribute to societal and technological challenges, working alongside leading experts in your field.
• Personal and dedicated supervision, with focus on your learning objectives, development and study assignment.
• Room to develop: you gain relevant work experience, develop both your subject‑specific and professional skills, and build a valuable network.
• Use of a laptop and the facilities you need to perform your work effectively.
• A monthly internship allowance of € 615 for a full-time internship, for MSc, BSc and vocational education (MBO) students.
• Up to eight hours of leave per internship month for a full-time internship, allowing you to balance your internship with your studies and personal life.
• A contribution towards travel expenses if you are not entitled to a student travel card.
• A free membership to Jong TNO: the network for young colleagues, where you can meet other TNO colleagues and participate in sports activities, professional and personal development activities, and social events such as the annual ski trip.

Our people are at the heart of TNO. Their curiosity, expertise and entrepreneurial mindset make it possible to deliver high-impact research and innovations that contribute to society’s sustainable wellbeing and prosperity. That is why we invest in an inspiring and inclusive working environment where colleagues can excel, have autonomy and continue to grow.

Your talent and ambition have every opportunity to flourish at TNO. You work with experts (both within and beyond TNO), have access to advanced technology and the freedom to explore, experiment and innovate. Our strength lies in independence, reliability and collaboration. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. By working with businesses and government, and by connecting different perspectives, we strengthen our innovative capability and create responsible, meaningful results.

At TNO, we believe this is our time to help society, government and business move forward faster. Together with driven colleagues, you turn knowledge into concrete innovations or ventures that truly make a difference by combining the power of science and entrepreneurship. And in doing so, you make your mark on our time.

You can apply for this internship position until the 31st of July 2026. After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation by email.

TNO will arrange an appropriate internship agreement. If you have any questions about the content of the internship or the application procedure, you can contact the person listed below.

If you start an internship with us, we will also ask you to provide a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).

Important to know before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, an internship agreement must be signed. For students enrolled at a Dutch university or university of applied sciences, TNO uses the UNL-template, supplemented with several TNO‑specific agreements. For students from foreign educational institutions and MBO (secondary vocational education) programmes, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  1. you are enrolled at the educational institution for the duration of the internship, and;
  2. the internship forms part of your study programme.

The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.

• Interns at TNO must have a registered residential address in the Netherlands at the start of the internship. Carrying out internship activities from abroad is not possible.
• Are you an international student? Please note that you must have a BSN (Dutch citizen service number) before the start of your internship. Applying for a BSN can take several weeks, so make sure to start this process well in advance.