With technological advancements, electrically powered vehicles are being introduced into the
freight transportation industry; but as usual, time is the only key to proving the unforeseen and
unintentional but inevitable negative impacts of the technology on not only the industry but also
drivers and vehicle maintenance. Positively, the technology reduces pollution that results from
diesel and creates very many employment opportunities.

When the technology was brought to light, it was said that it would attract plenty of skilled
technicians, but to the contrary, government and industry statistics predict the need for very
many new technicians. By 2017, it was predicted that there would be a need for 283,000 new
technicians by 2026, but by 2018 a deficit of 30,000 was reported.

According to Kenneth Calhoun, the general chairman, and treasurer of TMC, claimed that the
new technology based on electrification of class 8 trucks impact neither positively nor
negatively, it just offers dynamics in the industry. He said that change management is not an
issue, and they will grow with the technology. He reiterated that the only challenge is getting the
youth to venture into jobs related to the new advancements. There will be a short period of
difficulty, but the changes will eventually pay off.

Chris Nordh claimed that it's always challenging to adapt vehicles from new OEMS in
comparison to those from established truck-builders. The electric trucks also will mean that there
is a need for training posing a significant challenge. Ryder expects to have added thousands of
electric vehicles by 2020. Nordh said that there are more positive reactions from the drivers on
the electric trucks in comparison to the diesel engine trucks. The industry must survive the changes for the sake of compliance with greenhouse gas emissions. Nordh argued that the EVs would require fewer technicians to handle the maintenance of more vehicles.

The attractiveness of the class 8 trucks powered by electric powertrains is not enough to lure
technicians to come on board. Truck builders are busy forging partnerships with technical
schools to cater for training related to the EVs.