Are Electric Semi Trucks Feasible for the Future?

Electric semi trucks are gaining traction as a viable alternative to traditional diesel-powered trucks. They have the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs.

According to recent studies, electric semi trucks can reduce emissions by up to 70% compared to their diesel counterparts. This is a crucial step towards a more sustainable transportation industry.

One major challenge facing the adoption of electric semi trucks is their limited range and charging infrastructure. Most electric semi trucks can travel around 250 miles on a single charge, which is a significant limitation for long-haul routes.

However, many manufacturers are working to address these issues through advancements in battery technology and the expansion of charging networks.

Electric semi trucks offer numerous benefits, including zero emissions, improved safety, and less noise. This is a significant improvement over traditional diesel trucks.

One of the most notable advantages of electric semi trucks is their potential to reduce emissions. By switching to electric, truckers and communities can breathe a little easier.

A fully loaded Tesla Semi can go from 0 to 60 mph in 20 seconds, making them accelerate faster than traditional trucks. This is a game-changer for the industry.

Electric semis are also anticipated to have shorter charging times than traditional trucks. The eCascadia can recharge from 0 to 80% in just 90 minutes, if equipped with a certain battery pack.

Despite the current limitations of electric semi trucks, they still offer many advantages over traditional diesel counterparts. Electric trucks like the Tesla Semi are a better option under the right circumstances.

Recommended read: Tesla Tractor Trailer

One major challenge with electric semi-trucks is their limited range. They can't go as far as diesel trucks on a single charge, with the Tesla Semi only able to travel 500 miles before needing a recharge.

The limited range of electric semi-trucks means their initial application will likely be restricted to shorter hauls, where centralized charging stations can be used.

Manufacturing delays are another potential issue, as electric trucks require specialized parts that can be difficult to produce.

A higher upfront cost is also a significant challenge, with the cost of a single electric truck being a major obstacle for some trucking companies.

Lower operating costs could eventually offset the higher upfront cost, making electric semi-trucks a more viable option for carriers.

For more insights, see: How Much Are Semi Trucks

Electric semi trucks have the potential to accelerate faster than traditional trucks, going from 0 to 60 mph in 20 seconds. However, their charging infrastructure needs work, with a robust and ubiquitous network required to handle huge fleets of trucks.

Currently, the charging infrastructure for electric semi trucks isn't where it needs to be, with a massive toll on the electric grid expected from charging stations. A 1,000 kWh battery would take a long time to charge with a standard 150 kW DC fast charger.

Building charging infrastructure that is accessible to truck drivers on their normal routes is crucial, ideally without sharing with drivers of smaller EVs. The electric grid must be upgraded to handle the massive toll of charging stations.

Charging electric semi-trucks can take a long time. Currently, Freightliner's eCascadia can charge in approximately 90 minutes from 0% to 80%, depending on configuration.

In comparison, a diesel semi-truck can be refueled in just five minutes, covering approximately 1,950 miles of range. This is a significant difference in refueling time.

The charge time for electric semi-trucks is dependent on three things: the charging infrastructure, the truck's battery capacity, and the charging speed. A 1,000 kWh battery, for example, would take a long time to charge with a standard 150 kW DC fast charger.

As the article highlights, the charging infrastructure needs to be robust and ubiquitous to support huge fleets of electric semi-trucks. This includes building charging stations that are accessible to truck drivers on their normal routes.

See what others are reading: Best Semi Trucks of All Time

The charging infrastructure for electric semi-trucks needs a serious upgrade. Currently, it's not where it needs to be to handle huge fleets of these trucks traveling across the country.

The charging infrastructure needs to be robust and ubiquitous, accessible to truck drivers on their normal routes, and ideally not shared with drivers of smaller EVs. The electric grid must be upgraded to handle the massive toll of charging stations, with enough power to quickly charge batteries approaching capacities of 1,000 kWh.

A standard 150 kW DC fast charger would take a long time to charge a battery of that size. In fact, it's estimated that charging from 0% to 80% would take around 90 minutes, depending on the configuration.

Freightliner's eCascadia can charge in approximately 90 minutes from 0% to 80%, which is a long time to recharge your electric truck. This is especially concerning when compared to the Tesla Semi, which can travel further and can regain 70% of its range in approximately 30 minutes.

Most utilities can handle a pilot project of one or two trucks, but future additions of 10 or more trucks may be more than they can provide electric power for without upgrades to lines and transformers. The cost to make these upgrades can be significant and may or may not be covered by the utility.

The upfront cost of electric semi-trucks can be higher due to the high voltage batteries, but available grants and incentives can help bring the purchase price down.

The operating expense of electric semi-trucks is normally much lower, making the total cost of ownership (TCO) comparable to or even less than a diesel truck or tractor in the same application.

In the right application, the TCO of an electric semi-truck can be the same or less than a diesel truck, yet the benefits to the environment can be greater.

The upfront cost of purchasing an electric big rig is more than a regular semi, but this cost could be offset by lower operating and maintenance costs. According to a 2021 study by researchers at Berkeley Lab, Class 8 electric trucks have a cost of ownership that is 13% lower than diesel models, which can add up to about $200,000 over the life of the truck.

Electric semi-trucks generally require less maintenance, thanks to regenerative braking and fewer heavy components and gears. This can lead to significant cost savings over time.

Some states offer incentives to those individuals and companies that purchase and use electric trucks, which can further reduce the upfront cost.

Here are some estimated cost savings of electric semi-trucks compared to diesel models:

Overall, the lower operating cost of electric semi-trucks can make them a more attractive option for fleets and individuals looking to reduce their expenses.

Trucks can travel varying distances, but the eM2 electric semi-truck typically goes 180-250 miles on a charge. The range can be affected by factors like the driver's habits and weather conditions.

The eCascadia electric semi-truck is designed to go 115-230 miles on a charge. This means the truck's range can be as short as 115 miles or as long as 230 miles, depending on the specific conditions.

The industry is rapidly shifting towards electric semi trucks, with many viable options already available. Major truck OEMs are investing heavily in electric technology, and government policies are supporting this transition.

The electric semi isn't a failed dream, it's a growing reality. With major players like Daimler and Volvo committing to 50% zero emission trucks by 2030, it's clear that electric semis are the future.

Volvo's electric semi, the VNR, has already seen 100 pre-orders at launch, and its range has been upgraded to a market-leading 275 miles per charge. This shows that electric semis are not just a concept, but a viable solution for urban and last-mile delivery uses.

The industry is shifting towards electric semi-trucks, with major players like Daimler Trucks and Volvo committing to at least 50% emission-free vehicles by 2030.

Daimler Trucks, which includes Mercedes-Benz, FUSO, Freightliner, and Western Star, has already announced two models of BEV trucks: the heavy-duty eCascadia with 250 mile range and a medium duty eM2 with 230 mile range.

Volvo, another major market player, is also committing to 50% zero emission trucks by 2030. Their electric semi, the Volvo VNR, had 100 pre-orders at launch and has since been upgraded to have a market-leading 275 miles per charge.

The potential benefits of electric semi-trucks are considerable, including zero emissions, improved safety, and less noise. These benefits could bring remarkable improvements to truckers, communities, and the environment.

Electric semi-trucks are not a failed dream or an unattainable goal, with many viable BEV semis already here and more coming to market. Major investment by leading truck OEMs and widespread adoption by large corporations are making electric trucks an inevitability.

Nikola Motors is still in the game, folks. They've survived the controversy surrounding Trevor Milton's ouster and GM's withdrawal of investment.

Despite the setbacks, Nikola has kept working on building production electric rigs. They've even started delivering their first BEV trucks for customer trials.

These trucks have impressive mileage - 204 miles per charge in real-world applications. That's more than enough to get most drivers through their daily routes.

Nikola has a lot of potential customers lined up, with 375 Tre BEV trucks on order from companies like Anheuser-Busch and USA Truck.

Electric semi trucks are designed with a focus on efficiency and sustainability. They typically have a range of 250-500 miles on a single charge, depending on the weight and type of cargo being carried.

The trucks' batteries are often made up of lithium-ion cells, which provide a high energy density and long lifespan. In fact, some manufacturers claim their batteries can last up to 20 years or more with minimal degradation.

The design of electric semi trucks also prioritizes aerodynamics, with features such as smooth cab roofs and rounded edges to reduce wind resistance. This can lead to significant fuel savings, especially on long-haul routes.

Explore further: Long Semi Trucks

Electric semi-trucks are designed with safety in mind, featuring built-in technologies that make them easier to operate and reduce the risk of accidents.

The eCascadia has Active Side Guard Assist (ASGA), which prevents the vehicle from turning right if there's a cyclist or pedestrian in the way. This is a game-changer for urban driving.

Volvo's VNR Electric comes with features like Active Driver Assist, a forward collision avoidance technology, and Active Grip Control, which improves maneuverability and control in slippery conditions.

The Tesla Semi's electric drivetrain includes individual motors for each wheel, allowing the truck to sense weight distribution and automatically correct and prevent jackknifing.

Regenerative braking is a safety feature that uses the truck's own motor to slow down and pump power back into the battery, reducing the need for drivers to downshift and brake on long and steep grades.

Electric trucks don't have multi-geared transmissions like their diesel counterparts, making them easier to drive. This is a welcome change for truckers who often spend long hours on the road.

You might enjoy: Do Semi Trucks Have Cruise Control

The batteries in electric semi trucks are incredibly heavy, weighing in at around 10,000 lbs, as estimated by Engineering Explained. This is a significant weight that cargo companies will need to consider when purchasing an electrified fleet.

Electric semi trucks actually have a slight advantage when it comes to hauling capacity, as they don't have the added weight of fuel onboard or heavy diesel engines. This means they can carry 2,000 lbs over the limit of normal semi trucks.

The real concern with the heavy batteries is the safety risk associated with speeding down the highway with a heavier truck. A collision with such a machine has the potential to be catastrophic.

Manufacturers must optimize braking components specifically for EV use, rather than simply outfitting traditional semi truck brakes on their electrified counterparts. This is crucial for ensuring safe braking in these giant vehicles.

Volvo Trucks is another major player in the EV truck game, committing to 50% zero emission trucks by 2030.

Their electric semi, the Volvo VNR, had 100 pre-orders at launch, indicating strong interest in the vehicle.

The expected range of the VNR is 150 miles per charge, which is less than some of its competitors.

However, Volvo has announced upgrades that bring the VNR's range to a market-leading 275 miles per charge, making it a suitable option for urban and last-mile delivery uses.

Battery size can affect how much power the vehicle can store and can be compared to the size of a fuel tank in a vehicle. The higher the number of KW for electric, or gallons for diesel, the more power is stored in a vehicle.

A battery pack weighing around 10,000 lbs is not uncommon in electric semi-trucks, which can be a significant consideration for cargo companies.

In comparison to diesel trucks, electric semi-trucks don't have the added weight of fuel onboard, nor heavy diesel engines, which can help offset the weight of the battery pack.

The range of electric semi-trucks can vary depending on the driver, weather, and other factors, but typical ranges are around 180-250 miles, as seen in the eM2, and 115-230 miles for the eCascadia.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Fuel Cards for Semi Trucks

Semi-trucks come in different sizes, and their cargo capacity varies accordingly.

The eM2 is available with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of either 26,000lb or 33,000lb.

This means it can carry a significant amount of weight, but the exact amount depends on the specific model chosen.

The eCascadia, on the other hand, has a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of either 65,000lb or 82,000lb.

These ratings indicate the maximum weight the truck can safely carry, including the weight of the vehicle itself and any cargo.

Towing a trailer or RV can be a real challenge for fuel economy. My personal experience with a F-150 shows that mileage is about halved when towing, even with a relatively small RV.

Towing a 7,400-pound trailer reduced the Rivian R1T's range from 293 miles to 103 miles, which is about one-third of the non-towing range. The Rivian used 1.11 kWh/mile in this scenario.

The impact of towing on range is significant, and it's not just limited to smaller loads. Translating this impact to big rigs carrying 80,000 pounds would require enormous battery capacities and lengthy recharge times.

In my experience, even a F-150 hybrid is affected by towing, so electric vehicles have a long way to go in terms of practicality.

Worth a look: Trailer Tail on Semi Trucks

Electric semi trucks are a game-changer when it comes to reducing emissions. According to the American Lung Association, transitioning to zero-emission trucks and power could prevent 66,800 premature deaths by 2050.

The impact on greenhouse gases is also significant. Even with just a third of the industry going electric, the reduction in emissions would help to slow global warming and climate change.

In fact, research suggests that a trucking industry transition to electric vehicles would reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution, benefiting public health and air quality.

Regulatory efforts are also underway to curb emissions from heavy-duty trucks. For example, California's Advanced Clean Trucks policy aims to increase zero-emission targets for fleet sales starting in 2024.

Industry leaders are also taking action, with companies like Amazon, FedEx, and DHL making significant commitments to cut their fleet emissions.

Check this out: Fleet of Semi Trucks

Electric semi-trucks are a promising alternative to traditional diesel-powered trucks, but their feasibility depends on several factors.

The range of electric semi-trucks is a significant consideration, with some models capable of traveling up to 300 miles on a single charge. However, this can be a challenge for long-haul routes that often exceed 500 miles.

Battery weight is a major design consideration for electric semi-trucks, with some batteries weighing up to 15,000 pounds, which can impact the truck's payload capacity.

To mitigate this issue, manufacturers are exploring alternative battery chemistries and designs that can reduce weight while maintaining range and performance.

Electric semi-trucks require significant charging infrastructure, which is still in the early stages of development in many parts of the country.