In the ever-evolving landscape of electric trucks, the focus on infrastructure has been emphasized by industry leaders as a crucial step for fleets looking to add these vehicles to their rosters. According to Penske’s senior vice president of procurement and fleet planning, Paul Rosa, prioritizing the charging infrastructure over the purchase of the truck is key.
Rosa points out that fleets should consider the cost of the infrastructure before investing in electric trucks, as the price tag for charging infrastructure can be substantial. A report by the Clean Freight Coalition estimated that the commercial vehicle industry would need to invest around $620 billion in charging infrastructure to fully electrify the U.S. commercial truck fleet. Additionally, utilities would need to invest an additional $370 billion to support this transition, amounting to a nearly $1 trillion investment.
Despite the significant cost, Rosa is optimistic about the state of electric vehicle technology and believes that infrastructure technology is starting to catch up. He stresses the importance of communication between fleets and utility providers, recommending regular interactions and relationship-building to facilitate the transition to electric vehicles.
Rob Graff, a senior technical adviser with the North American Council for Freight Efficiency, also emphasizes the importance of engaging with utility providers early on. He suggests that fleets should contact their utility provider, truck manufacturer, and similar fleets that have already electrified to gather information and guidance on the infrastructure needed for electric trucks.
Miles Archer, Ryder’s senior manager of charging and partnerships, asserts that fleets can keep costs down by rightsizing their charging infrastructure. By having in-depth conversations with finance departments and considering factors like routes, dwell time, and facility improvements, fleets can optimize their infrastructure investments.
Challenges in the electrification process include the permitting and regulatory obstacles involved in installing charging infrastructure at scale. UPS’ Ryan Bankerd highlights the need for partnerships among utilities, government agencies, and fleets to overcome these challenges and ensure a smooth transition to electric vehicles.
To address the evolving grid infrastructure needs, companies like Cyclum and Voltera are stepping in to provide innovative charging solutions. Cyclum is planning a network of charging stations paired with high-end convenience stores, while Voltera is building large charging stations tailored to specific fleet customers. These initiatives aim to facilitate the electrification of commercial fleets and address the growing demand for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
As the industry continues to evolve and invest in electric truck infrastructure, the focus on building a robust charging network is becoming increasingly vital. By prioritizing infrastructure investments and collaborating with utility providers and innovative charging solutions, fleets can navigate the challenges of electrification and pave the way for a greener future in the transportation sector.
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One of the main concerns for companies looking to transition to electric truck or EV fleet trucks is the availability of infrastructure to support these vehicles. With medium duty electric trucks becoming more popular, companies are looking for charging stations and other necessary infrastructure to support their fleet.
As more companies invest in electric trucks, the demand for charging stations and other infrastructure will continue to grow. This will require collaboration between government agencies, private companies, and other stakeholders to ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place to support the transition to electric trucks.
Overall, the growth of electric trucks and EV fleet trucks is an exciting development for the transportation industry, but it will require careful planning and investment in infrastructure to support this transition.