A shift to electric trucks is already in motion, but plenty of roadblocks still exist that hinder wide-scale adoption. Addressing these challenges is important to enabling a smooth transition for the commercial trucking sector. Here’s a look at the main challenges and how to navigate them.
AHR for High Up-Front Costs and Total Cost of Ownership
The high up-front cost is one of electric trucks' most challenging impediments to adoption. Traditional diesel trucks are an easier pickup for fleet operators since they have lower upfront costs. However, the total cost of ownership (TCO) tells a different story.
Electric trucks save fuel and maintenance and operational costs in the long run. For instance, an NACFE study indicated truck maintenance costs are almost half as much with electric trucks as they are with diesel-operated trucks. Additionally, a hefty VAT for petrol and diesel cars makes purchase costs very difficult to bear in the long run but generous tax credits and government subsidies are here to ease the pain of first upfront costs and make EVs a smart investment eventually.
The Drawbacks of Infrastructure and Charging Networks
One of the biggest problems with electric truck infrastructure is an underdeveloped charging network. While gas stations are everywhere, high-capacity charging stations for commercial trucks are few and far between, creating logistical challenges for fleet operators. The debate of electric trucks vs. diesel trucks highlights this gap, as diesel vehicles still offer greater refueling convenience. Fast-charging networks are crucial. Tesla’s Megachargers and Electrify America’s heavy-duty vehicle charging outposts are some good examples of that happening. Companies are also looking into depot-based charging that will allow trucks to recharge at dedicated stations overnight, cutting down on dependence on public charging infrastructure.
Tackling Range Anxiety and the Fear of Running Out of Battery
One of the most critical issues in the electrification of fleets is the challenge of range anxiety with electric trucks—the worry that an electric vehicle's battery will run out of power before reaching a charging station. Key components and technologies driving electric trucks, such as high-capacity batteries, regenerative braking, and battery-swapping systems, are addressing this issue. Battery tech is improving, but range is still an issue for long-haul trucking.
With high-capacity batteries and energy-efficient driving, experience range anxiety. Daimler’s Cascadia, for example, has a range of 230 miles per charge, which is adequate for regional hauls. Regenerative braking, route optimization, and even battery-swapping technology can all help reduce downtime and improve efficiency even more.
Industry Relations and Supportive Policy Enabling Adoption
Policies and regulations of governments can help accelerate the adoption of electric trucks. Yet variable rules and poor motivators continue to pose challenges. Countries are providing various grants and subsidies for fleet electrification. The U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, for instance, provides tax incentives for the purchase of electric trucks, making them more financially palatable. In other parts of Europe, the key developments in the electric truck industry, initiatives like the German “eHighway” project, which supplies electric trucks with overhead charging systems, have facilitated adoption.
The Road Ahead
The global electric truck industry was valued at US$ 2.73 billion in 2022, and it is anticipated to reach US$ 13.27 billion by 2030, which will translate to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.1% during the period from 2023 to 2030. Overall, this large-scale growth suggests a positive trajectory as long as barriers related to infrastructure and costs can be crossed. As technologies improve and policy support continues to increase, the road to adoption of electric trucks is clearer than ever and more attainable for commercial trucking.
Sources:
Trade Organization: North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE)
