Electric trucks – the future of the world?
Electric trucks have been a hot topic among heavy vehicle manufacturers in the last few years. There are currently at least 7 manufacturers planning to deliver or release these vehicles during 2021.
With the rapid development of clean transport, batteries and EV infrastructure, it is likely that in the future electric heavy-duty vehicles will be an increasingly popular choice for companies usingtrucks. By 2025 , we expect to see more than 54,000 electric trucks on US roads alone .
How is an EV better than a VDV?
Although the cost of electric trucks is higher than that of internal combustion engine (ICE) trucks, these vehicles offer a number of advantages.
For example, maintenance costs for a 9 year old Isuzu diesel truck would be around €300 for every 1000 kilometres (Feng, W., Figliozzi, M. A., 2012). Meanwhile, electric trucks, which have significantly fewer moving parts, offer lower maintenance costs and fewer breakdowns.
Trucks and lorries alone are responsible for around 7% of global CO2 emissions. These vehicles contribute to the accumulation of unhealthy air pollutants such as sulphur oxide, particulate matter and nitrogen oxides in cities. The main benefits of EVs are cleaner journeys, cleaner air and ultimately a more sustainable world.
EVs also have a significant advantage in terms of sound, especially when driving on city streets. They are extremely quiet vehicles.
Charging batteries for electric trucks
If you are wondering about the range of an electric vehicle or worried about the frequency of battery charging, it is worth noting that European Union law requires truck drivers to take at least 45 minutes of rest after a maximum of 4.5 hours of driving. So you can also use the time when you stop for a break to recharge your battery.
The most interesting electric trucks and lorries
Today, there are a number of manufacturers planning or already producing electric trucks. Here’s a closer look at some of the most interesting EV models.
Tesla Semi
Although still in testing, it’s probably the world’s most talked-about electric tractor. Companies such as Pepsi, FedEx, UPS and DHL have already subscribed to this innovative model. Girteka was the first European company to order a Tesla Semi.
According to Elon Musk, the truck will be able to travel between 500 and 800 km on a single charge, depending on the battery configuration chosen. The futuristic-looking Tesla Semi achieves an incredibly low drag coefficient of 0.36. By comparison, the Bugatti Chiron, one of the fastest sports cars, has a coefficient of 0.38. This design allows this full-trailer tractor to reach speeds of up to 96 km/h in 20 seconds. Martin Daum, head of Daimler’s truck programme, said in 2018 that if Tesla’s claims about the new Tesla Semi are true, they violate the laws of physics.
It is worth noting that this truck has semi-autonomous driving capability. This means it will help the tractor to stay in its lane, warn of possible collisions and even apply the brakes in an emergency.
And one of the most important aspects is charging time during the journey. Tesla Megacharger in 30 minutes charging will add an extra 640 km to your journey.
Freightliner eCascadia
Daimler, one of the world’s largest heavy vehicle manufacturers, is under pressure to launch the eCascadia, a competitor to the Tesla Semi.
The Freightliner eCascadia is an all-electric tractor based onthe Cascadia model, which the manufacturer describes as the most successful long-haul tractor in North America.
The truck is expected to have a battery capacity of 550 kWh, a range of 400 km on a full charge, and the ability to recharge the truck’s battery up to 80% (for an additional 320 km) in 90 minutes. Production of the eCascadia is scheduled to start in 2022.
Daimler later launched another model, the Mercedes-Benz eActros LongHaul, with an even longer range of 500 km on a full charge. Production of this tractor is scheduled for 2024.
Volvo FL Electric and Volvo FE Electric
At the end of 2020, Volvo Trucks launched a range of electric trucks, including the Volvo FL and Volvo FE. The decision to produce electric trucks is partly based on one of the manufacturer’s goals to end the production of fossil-fuel trucks by 2040.
The Volvo FL Electric is a city truck that can be adapted to tasks such as deliveries. Up to 300 km range.
The Volvo FE Electric, meanwhile, is designed for more demanding urban tasks – waste collection, transport of light construction materials, and deliveries.
Production of these trucks is scheduled for 2022.
Volta Zero
Swedish manufacturer Volta Trucks has also developed a truck for the city – the Volta Zero.
This model is special because it will be extremely safe. The unusual driving position – sitting in the middle of the cab – gives you 220° of visibility for a better view of your surroundings. The Tesla Semi has the same driving position.
With this truck, the company is making an even bigger contribution to a greener world. Volta Zero will be the first company to make certain parts of the truck from sustainable materials such as linseed and rapeseed oil-based resins.
The planned distance travelled is 150 – 200 km . Production of this model will start in 2022.
