The introduction and adoption of electric trucks have risen a notch higher in 2019. Though it
may be still the early ages of the innovation, many truck makers and suppliers have the faith that
the electric trucks will be a strength for the industry in the future. Manufacturers haven't ruled
out the fact that diesel will for long remain the primary fuel. Still, they have pointed out how
valuable the electric trucks will turn out to be for the freight transportation industry, according to
the Traton Group CEO Andreas Renschler.
The electric trucks are not only meant to reduce the expenses on diesel but also are intended to
see to it that firms remain compliant with the emissions regulations. The major drawback is that
the electric trucks will come at a higher cost compared to the diesel trucks, and they will be
heavier. Volvo Group CEO Martin Lundstedt said that areas with strict emission restrictions
would help the electric vehicles thrive more. The switch from diesel to electricity means that
there will be need to view the transformation as a system change.
The trucks may not be widespread in North America, but they have been deployed to offer short-
distance shipments, for instance, in Southern California. Suppliers, inclusive of Dana and
Meritor, have also invested in support of the electrification of trucks. Other developers, including
Kenworth Truck., Hyundai Motor Co., Cummins, and Bosch, have also ventured in the hydrogen
fuel cells, to work towards compliance with emissions regulations.
The truck makers are in preparations to launch the electric trucks while bearing in mind the
learnability aspect as the vehicles are expected to be quite different from the current trucks. For
instance, Navistar has a business that will build the trucks and at the same time, offer consultation and support services. Persio Lisboa stated that they would come up with a business unit called NEXT eMobility Solutions that will ease the transformation to electric trucks.
The trucks will only be best suited for short distances (regional operations) soon. Scott
Newhouse, Peterbilt’s chief engineer, said that they had designed the electric trucks to perform
just as well as the diesel powertrain trucks. The company has 16 vehicles in operation, and 21
more are expected in 2020. Michael O'Connell, Frito-Lay's vice president of the supply chain,
reiterated that they are exploring different technologies to ensure they are compliant. Gregg
Stumbaugh, director of equipment at Biagi Bro, claimed that they were glad to have partnered
with Peterbilt for diversity in their operations.
The electric trucks are slowly but surely being incorporated into the business world as customers
are already using the prototypes. Volvo has partnered with NFI and Dependable Highway
Express to show the capabilities of battery-electric trucks. Volvo LIGHTS is both funded by
Volvo and California Air Resources Board. Daimler Trucks North America is poised to increase
its innovations for the future.
Since electric trucks have just started entering the market, Natural gas remains the most viable
substitute for diesel. At the same time, manufacturers will refine diesel engines to reduce
emissions. The electric batteries are expected to drop further to make it easier for customers and
manufacturers.
