Top 5 reasons: why to go for electric trucks (and why not)

There is much discussion about electric trucks, however there's huge advantages of going electric, with down sides that can be managed and improved with new technology.


1) COST
Typically around 80% of the cost of operation of trucks over a 7 year / 700,000 mile life are variable costs - energy, maintenance and driver the big ones.

While a BEV truck has higher initial capital cost than a diesel truck, its total costs are much lower as it cuts energy expenses by ~60% and maintenance by ~50%. Tesla says this could be a $200,000 saving per truck.

At today's hydrogen prices, an FCEV truck will cost ~10x more in energy costs vs BEV trucks.


2) RESOURCE EFFICIENCY AND POLLUTION
Electric trucks are zero emission at vehicle, meaning a huge difference in air quality vs diesel trucks - especially a problem as diesel trucks age.

Even with the average CO2 electricity emissions in US, total CO2 is cut significantly with BEV trucks, and dramatically so when running on renewable energy dominant grids.


3) CAPABILITY AND SAFETY
Electric trucks offer 100% torque at 0 rpm, offering exceptional hauling characteristics. Low mounted batteries in tractors and instantaneous drive response makes them much safer in slippery conditions. They are also much quieter and easier to drive.


4) TECHNOLOGY PATHWAY
We're just getting started with battery technology, and the pathway ahead with new battery types such as solid-state, bi-polar and new chemistries will improve energy density, cycle life and safety.
This will allow trucks to be lighter and operate for longer.


5) INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT
Many innovative companies are investing heavily in truck charging infrastructure, with their first station at Bakersfield California now under construction. They will be joined by other major roll outs in North America and Europe.

The WHY NOTS (and why they aren't so bad)

1) WEIGHT
Heavy batteries are often cited as a problem, but 75% of loads are well below 80,000lb Gross Vehicle Weight limit of Class 8 trucks, meaning most loads aren't impacted.

What's more, battery energy density is constantly improving, and some expect that a Tesla Semi 300 will weigh LESS than a diesel.


2) RANGE
Long haul trucking is a relatively small component of total truck miles today. Range for battery electric vehicles is improving all the time, with Tesla Semi 500 expected to offer well north of 500 miles range in good conditions. This will improve with battery technology advances.


3) RECHARGING TIME
Truck recharging with today's CCS takes much longer than diesel or hydrogen trucks. However, the coming Megawatt Charging Standard will allow trucks to charge to 80% in under 30 minutes.

Depot charging allows trucks to be charged overnight, with no down time, or requirement for drivers to stop at rest stops on short routes

Author: James Carter, Mobility Futurist, Thought Leader and Influencer - Principal Consultant at Vision Mobility,