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What is Holding Back the EV Truck Industry?

The EV industry has taken the roads by storm, yet EV trucks are struggling to hit the pavement in force. What is holding the trucking industry back if electric vehicles are indeed the future? Two significant factors are keeping the reigns taught on the eventual stampede of electric trucks.

Real-World Range And System Infrastructure

Traditional diesel trucks have very few limits on the distance they can travel. In the United States, the massive highway system and availability of roadside truck stops offering gas allow a trucks to travel from coast to coast without an interruption for fuel. EV trucks do not have a similar capability and are limited not just by lack of range but long times for charging.

Few publicly available charging networks exist, meaning fleet EV truck owners must develop their own charging station system. For lighter loads, the real-world limit on the range is around 500 miles on a single charge, although even that may be pushing it depending upon the topography the roads go over. Further, charging times still need to be optimized. It can take 7 hours to fully charge a large truck battery, which means significant downtime for fleets. This issue is less significant for small short-distance fleets; it is a core problem for any business which runs long-haul routes.

How Are Fleets Getting Around This?

Currently, a few long-haul fleets are using multiple charging disciplines. The possibility of ‘overnight’ charging shifts works well for only the most prominent groups with multiple charging locations. Centralized vehicles that work from a depot, such as city trash collectors or snow plows, are the best candidates for such a management system. However, once there is better infrastructure or a much more efficient battery, the need for more quick charging options nationwide is a significant roadblock.

What Are The Benefits Of EVs?

Electric trucks come with several compelling reasons to own a large fleet. First, EVs require less maintenance and have a lower cost of ownership than traditional gas trucks. A full-battery engine does not need an oil change and delivers torque nearly instantly which can vastly improve engine performance. Further reasons why EVs are superior include:

  • Zero Emissions, Or Lower Emissions Depending Upon Setup
  • Reduced Fuel Costs Per Mile
  • Longer Life Cycle
  • Energy Independent Depending Upon Available Infrastructure
  • Give a Green-Conscious Image To Potential Customers
  • Rapidly Improving Nationwide Coverage
  • Government Tax Credits
  • Capitalizing On The Growing Market Of Short-Haul Trucking

Other Drawbacks Of Electric Trucking

Beyond the lack of availability and charging times, several other aggravating factors hamper EVs’ wide adoption. The following are just a few of the hurdles facing a world filled with electric trucks:

  • Cost: The average EV truck is almost 10% more expensive than a traditional truck. While the price difference has shrunk in recent years, the highest quality EV will still be more expensive upfront.
  • Lack Of Incentive: The trucking industry has several more significant issues than alternative fuel adoption. These include a driver shortage and changing models of distribution.
  • Advances In Diesel Engines: Year-over-year, diesel engines have become more efficient and robust to compete with EVs.
  • Limited Weight: Diesel engines can pull heavier loads than most EVs. The EV truck is not suited to massive heavy operations, and even if it could, the price per mile may still exceed the gas price.

The Future of the EV Trucking Industry

EVs represent an exciting future for trucking and personal vehicles alike. However, the technology and infrastructure limits mean that it is far from being a replacement. At USA Strapping, we’re always keeping up with the latest trends in the EV trucking industry and stand ready to help you with any of your strapping needs. To learn more about our unique products, contact our team today by phone at 888-768-0001.