In today’s modern era, more and more leading truck manufacturing companies and new start-up companies are entering the field of electric trucks and, why not? We’ll need to boost the electrification of a quickly-growing source of greenhouse gases in the world.
Medium and heavy-duty vehicles such as electric trucks and buses have the potential to decrease environmental risks due to zero emissions. Not only this, but it also provides a better experience to professional drivers, save costs and cut maintenance requirements.
The application of electric vehicles is not only restricted to electric regional trucks, but manufacturers are also engineering long-haul hybrid electric trucks, electric standby refrigeration trailers, electric yard trucks and solar-powered electric refrigeration units. Electric yard trucks have been deployed for years and they are the best truck option for yard hostlers for being smoother, cooler, quieter and cleaner. Furthermore, since there is no diesel engine in these trucks, maintenance and repair will be easier. The brushless induction motors and other parts are mostly closed and run by using a single battery pack.
Electric-truck options are increasing!
The availability of e-trucks has long been an obstacle for the fleet owners and logistics companies in Mumbai considering electrification. But, as time passed by, fleets and companies now have access to a huge range of electric vehicles from several leading automotive manufacturing companies.
Trucks that are likely to have more EV choices incorporate-
Local delivery and box trucks– Peterbilt (an American truck manufacturer) and Dana (an American supplier of auto parts) have recently launched a Peterbilt Model 220EV that will come with a capacity up to 200 miles. The vehicle is scheduled for manufacturing in late 2020. Navistar is also emerging in the race by launching a medium-duty EV under its global label. The production manager has committed 250 miles on a single charge with a battery (312 kWh) and complete manufacturing by early 2021.
Mid-range freight trucks– It’s no big secret that the automotive sector is in the middle of a major shift with the introduction of electric-powered trucks. Volvo has already started pilots of its electric regional tractor. These trucks are scheduled for production by the end of 2020. Daimler also has plans to launch eCascadia, and it will be ready for production in 2021.
Garbage trucks- In the U.S, more than 100,000 garbage trucks are functioning and most of them run on diesel. EV technology is an ideal fit for such trucks due to their slow-speed, stop-and-go functions. Peterbilt, Mack and Daimler have all recently endorsed their development of electric-power garbage trucks. BYD already has trucks on the roads.
Manufacturers boost investments in zero-emission trucks!
As leading automobile manufacturers have concluded, zero-emission is the future of transportation and that is why they have started investing huge amounts of capital to produce more and more zero-emission trucks and other vehicles. This electric-vehicle trend emerged in 2018 when Daimler came in the headline by announcing an investment of over $3 billion for the development of commercial electric trucks. It also included a $155 million investment in Proterra. In the recent few years, many manufacturers have got into the game:
Some big players in the automobile industry that are trying their hands in electric vehicles-
Rivian: In September, Rivian, an automotive startup came into the limelight when Amazon, one of its investors revealed its plans to buy 100,000 electric delivery trucks. It was big order geared toward aiding Amazon to achieve its 2040 net-zero carbon target. However, it will be challenging to fulfill that order. Michigan-based Rivian has to manufacture electric vehicles for the masses, doing it for the first time in its 10 years of existence. Its electric pickup truck is in the final stage of testing and it is planned that its full-scale production by next year. As per Amazon, that’s also when it will prepare its first delivery with a Rivian archetype. By 2022, the company expects 10,000 vehicles on the road and Rivian revealed that all 100,000 electric delivery trucks will be seen on roads by 2023.
Chanje: Los Angeles-based, Chinese-backed startup Chanje will be launching V8100 electric medium-duty panel van (30-foot long) that can hold a 3-ton payload. What’s more, its lithium-ion battery pack has enough charge to run a 150-mile range. The company claims that it is more than double the range of the majority of commercial delivery vans run in a day.
How will electric trucks change the future of the trucking industry?
Strength and power
There was a misconception that electric vehicles such as trucks, buses etc. simply don’t have the same power as their gas and diesel counterparts, though it’s not true. Electric-powered motors can deliver serious torque and towing capabilities. This means that the logistics companies in Delhi that invest money in buying these trucks and use them for heavy-duty applications will not fail to benefit from those capabilities.
Advanced real-time feature
Routing efficiency, weather, driver performance, traffic congestion, loads, fuel consumption, tolls and taxes will be prepared in real-time. This immediate reporting facility will allow toll calculate toll depending on the exact time and the vehicle load.
Improved battery life
Electric vehicles have long- battery life and promote better handling. These trucks can better accommodate batteries with improved range. It means that the range of electric trucks is far better than its idea. Additionally, the low centre of gravity could improve upon one unwanted aspect of traditional trucks – their top-heavy nature and their handling. Thereby, this can be a better option for the logistics companies in Chennai.
Enhanced vehicle safety
In cars and light trucks, the standard safety features have been provided for years, and now will be incorporated in more electric heavy-duty trucks. Safety features like airbags and soy-based foam are examples of the sustainability portion in freshly engineered heavy-duty trucks.
Sports car-like speed
Electric truck owners will now be happy with the latest models of EV trucks. Earlier they used to complain about the low-speed range but now they won’t need to sacrifice on this. They can have more fun driving. In general, EV was not preferred for lacking acceleration, but modern electric motors have the quick acceleration so many latest features in their vehicles.
Improved forward lighting
There are many designs in EV models that are becoming popular, but one with improved forward lighting will become high in demand. Modern solutions like bi-xenon designs guarantee considerably high intensity and variable direction.
Obstacle detection
Electric trucks have beautiful combinations of ultrasonic and visual that helps to avoid a 360-degree collision. It also has an obstacle detection device that helps to control the forward speed if it senses a vehicle in a particular range. This will be further improved by the advanced linked vehicle technology in heavy-duty trucks.
Easy to maintain
Vehicles with electric power technology have only a few moving parts than conventional diesel or petrol vehicles. There are no expensive starter motors, exhaust systems, fuel injection systems radiators and many other parts that require frequent maintenance. So, maintenance is easy that ultimately helps Logistics Companies in Mumbai to save money on high repair costs.
Reduced fuel cost
The electric vehicle will allow you to save money on costly diesel and gasoline prices. You don’t have to waste time on gas stations to refill again and again because an electric vehicle charged once will run the vehicle for a longer time. You can further minimise the costs even by installing a system on the rooftop to charge your electric vehicle. Due to this fantastic way of electricity generation, you can completely remove fuel costs from your life.
There are some limitations of electric vehicles.
Speed limitation
Electric automobiles have range and speed restrictions. Electric vehicles have this problem which is a cause for concern among logistics company in Delhi and transporters and & cargo distribution service providers. They need a facility to recharge or refuel quickly anywhere. This is a serious concern for electric vehicle owners. It is expected to improve in the future.
Silence can be dangerous
When people buy a vehicle, they prefer noiseless automobiles. But in the case of electric vehicles, silence can be a bit risky. It can lead to accidents because vehicle drivers like to hear the noise when they are coming from behind.
Battery life
The accessories such as air conditioners, music systems, headlights, etc. in the electric vehicle work using electric power from batteries. So, the battery drains quickly and it will take time to recharge them again. Presently, there are only a few EV charging stations across the country. For truck operators and logistics companies in Chennai, this is a major concern.
It’s clear that electric trucks will be the future of the trucking and logistics industry. There are a wide variety of benefits and potential applications of electric trucks. At the same time, there are some restrictions too. Leading automobile manufacturers are working to overcome these shortcomings. Soon, these issues will be resolved and electric trucks will be running on the roads.
