The trucking industry is undergoing a transformation as more opportunities arise to deploy electric vehicles, according to a report released by the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) on July 9. The report, titled “Run on Less — Electric DEPOT: Scaling BEVs in the Real World,” documented the commercial operation of 22 battery-electric vehicles from Class 2b through Class 8 for three weeks last September.
Rick Mihelic, director of emerging technologies at NACFE, emphasized that electric vehicles are not limited to long-haul trucks operating at 80,000 pounds. In fact, less than 10% of the marketplace falls into that category. There are many vehicles that operate at duty cycles less than 100 miles, making electric vehicles a viable option for various applications.
The report highlighted key factors that determine the suitability of lower-emission vehicles based on metrics such as freight payload, range, and power source. It revealed that battery-electric vehicles have an optimum duty cycle with a range of 250 miles and a freight weight of 43,000 pounds.
Fleet depots such as Frito-Lay, Penske, UPS, and Schneider participated in the study, providing researchers with data on the performance of each electric truck. The report underscored the importance of infrastructure development to support the growing number of electric vehicles on the road.
Mihelic noted that electric trucks are already in use and performing well, with over 40 manufacturers producing more than 160 models of electric vehicles. He highlighted the ongoing efforts to improve technology and reduce costs associated with electric vehicles.
The report also addressed the utilization patterns of Class 2b through Class 8 vehicles in urban and regional hauls, highlighting the opportunities for continuous operation and short dwell times. Mihelic discussed the evolution of electric vehicle technology, pointing to updated models like the Volvo VNL Electric that incorporate learnings from earlier versions.
Despite challenges that remain, such as infrastructure development and weight reduction, Mihelic expressed optimism about the future of electric trucks in the industry. He emphasized the collaborative efforts of fleets and organizations to address these challenges and drive the adoption of electric vehicles in the trucking sector.
Overall, the report signals a promising shift towards electrification in the trucking industry, with electric vehicles poised to play a significant role in reducing emissions and improving efficiency in commercial transportation.
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