Electric heavy duty trucks are transforming the industry in a big way. According to a recent study, electric heavy duty trucks can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70% compared to traditional diesel trucks.
The switch to electric is also expected to save companies a significant amount on fuel costs. In fact, one company reported saving over $100,000 per year on fuel costs after switching to electric heavy duty trucks.
These trucks are also becoming increasingly cost-effective. The cost of electricity is often 20-30% lower than diesel fuel, which means that companies can save money on fuel costs even without considering the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
As electric heavy duty trucks become more widespread, we can expect to see a significant reduction in air pollution in urban areas.
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Benefits of Electric Trucks
Electric trucks are a game-changer for reducing pollution and noise in urban areas. The VNR Electric from Volvo is a zero-emission leader, making it a great option for companies looking to reduce their environmental impact.
Charging electric trucks with renewable energy is a no-brainer, as it eliminates any climate impact. This means that companies can reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing performance.
Performance and Range
Electric heavy-duty trucks are getting a major boost in performance and range thanks to innovative new components. The Volvo VNR Electric is a great example of this, offering the same maneuverability, visibility, and safety as its popular predecessor.
The new eGen Power 130S e-axle from Allison Transmission Inc. is a game-changer, providing 225 kilowatts of continuous power and 26,000 newton-meters of torque at the wheels. It's designed for easy integration into existing vehicle chassis.
Meritor's 17Xe ePowertrain delivers up to 420 kilowatts of continuous power, making it perfect for heavy-duty truck applications. The integrated design also provides efficient packaging and performance.
Schaeffler's high-performance electric motors boast an efficiency of over 97 percent and a continuous drive power output of up to 300 kilowatts. Their wave winding technology produces electric motors with very high power densities.
The CeTrax 2 electric central drive from ZF features two high-performance oil-cooled e-motors and two integrated 800-volt silicon carbide inverters. It's designed for heavy-duty vehicles and offers high power and torque, lightweight design, and enhanced e-drive efficiency of up to 96 percent.
Charging your electric heavy-duty truck is also getting faster and more efficient. With a CCS1 connector and a 250kW charger, the energy storage system can be charged up to 80% in 60 minutes with a 4 battery configuration.
Robust Charging Network
Building a robust charging network is crucial for the adoption of electric heavy-duty trucks.
Volvo Trucks is actively working with its partners to address the issue of charging infrastructure, and has announced a plan to build an electrified charging corridor for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles in California.
The charging corridor, which is scheduled to come online by the end of 2023, will be a string of charging stations running from Dixon, CA, north of San Francisco, to La Mirada in Los Angeles County.
Volvo Trucks is partnering with Shell Recharge Solutions, TEC Equipment, Affinity Truck Center and Western Truck Center to develop the publicly accessible EV charging network, which is backed by a $2 million grant from the California Energy Commission.
According to Sandeep Mukunda, research manager for the digital automotive and transportation strategies program at IDC, it may take at least a decade for electric trucks to begin replacing conventional vehicles at the pace currently occurring in the passenger car market.
One of the biggest challenges for truck manufacturers is sourcing batteries at an economical cost, due to the tremendous competition for battery technology.
It's estimated that it may take a few hours to charge a vehicle carrying a payload around 40 tons, even if it's at a supercharger.
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Trucking and Business
Electric heavy-duty trucks are already being used by companies like Walmart, which has a goal of powering 50% of its deliveries with renewable energy by 2025.
Companies are adopting electric trucks to reduce their carbon footprint and lower operating costs.
The cost of electricity is significantly lower than diesel fuel, which can save companies like Walmart millions of dollars per year.
Electric trucks also require less maintenance than traditional diesel trucks, with fewer moving parts and no oil changes needed.
Safety and Efficiency
The Detroit ePowertrain is designed for maximum efficiency, providing the ultimate in power and dependability for Freightliner's eM2 and eCascadia electric trucks.
The Detroit ePowertrain offers quick, smooth acceleration, which is perfect for getting loads moving. This is especially useful for fleets that need to move goods efficiently.
Freightliner's eCascadia comes equipped with the most innovative safety system for Class 8 trucks, powered by Detroit Assurance. This safety system is designed to provide safe driving and more uptime.
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Battery Safety
The VNR Electric cab has passed some of the toughest tests in the industry, including collision tests, barrier tests, and head impact tests. This means you're always well protected on the road.
In fact, the VNR Electric cab has a side impact protection barrier integrated into the mounting system of the battery box. This adds an extra layer of safety in case of a side collision.
The VNR Electric cab's battery safety features are designed to keep you and your cargo safe. By passing these rigorous tests, the VNR Electric cab has proven itself to be one of the safest cabs on the market.
Advanced Safety
Freightliner has pioneered the most innovative safety system for Class 8 trucks, powered by Detroit Assurance. This system ensures safe driving and more uptime comes standard.
The eCascadia, for instance, features a cutting-edge safety system that prioritizes driver safety.
Seamless Efficiency
The Detroit ePowertrain is designed for maximum efficiency, providing the ultimate in power and dependability. Its maximum torque gets loads moving quickly and smoothly.
The ePowertrain is a game-changer for fleets, allowing them to move forward with ease. It's built for the Freightliner eM2 and eCascadia, two electric vehicles that are taking the industry by storm.
Faster charging times are also a key feature of the ePowertrain, making it easier to keep your fleet on the move. This is especially important in crowded urban streets where time is of the essence.
The eCascadia, in particular, is designed with driver comfort and safety in mind. Its latest in-cab innovations promote driver retention and help your fleet run smarter.
In fact, the eCascadia's in-cab features are so advanced that they're helping fleets reduce driver turnover and improve overall efficiency. This is a major win for any business looking to optimize its operations.
Volvo and Mack
Volvo and Mack are two of the leading manufacturers of electric heavy duty trucks.
Volvo Trucks has been a pioneer in the development of electric heavy duty trucks, with their first all-electric truck, the Volvo FL Electric, launched in 2019.
Mack Trucks, on the other hand, has been working on its own electric truck, the Mack LR Electric, which was unveiled in 2018.
The Mack LR Electric is designed for refuse collection and other urban applications, where electric powertrains can be particularly beneficial.
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Volvo's Charging Bet
Volvo is taking a bold step towards electrifying its truck fleet, starting with a cross-California route for its VNR Electric truck. The company is backing up its rolling product with plans to build out a charging network.
Volvo's VNR Electric truck is available in several configurations, including a four- or six-battery pack option for Class 8 tractors and a four-battery pack option for Class 7 trucks. Customers can choose the configuration that best suits their needs.
The company's goal is to make electric trucks an ideal way for companies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and move to a zero-tailpipe emissions transportation system. Volvo's product marketing manager, Andy Brown, claims that heavy-duty electric trucks are the way forward.
Volvo is actively working with its partners to address the issue of charging infrastructure, which is currently a work-in-progress in North America. The company is constructing an electrified charging corridor for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles in California.
The plan is to build a string of charging stations running from Dixon, CA, north of San Francisco, to La Mirada in Los Angeles County. Volvo Trucks is partnering with Shell Recharge Solutions, TEC Equipment, Affinity Truck Center, and Western Truck Center to develop the publicly accessible EV charging network.
Volvo's charging corridor is scheduled to come online by the end of 2023 and is backed by a $2 million grant from the California Energy Commission.
It's in Our DNA
Safety is a top priority for Volvo and Mack, and it's reflected in the VNR Electric's robust design. The truck comes standard with Volvo Active Driver Assist, a collision avoidance technology that helps prevent accidents.
The VNR Electric's high-strength steel cab provides an extra layer of protection in the event of an impact. This feature is part of the brand's industry-leading safety technology.
A heads-up display is also included, keeping drivers informed and focused on the road. This display is just one of the many features that contribute to the VNR Electric's comprehensive safety package.
The truck's battery safety is another key aspect of its design. This ensures that the vehicle's electrical system is protected in case of an emergency.
The VNR Electric's safety features are designed to work together seamlessly, providing drivers with a secure and confident driving experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can electric trucks pull heavy loads?
Yes, electric trucks are well-suited for hauling heavy loads due to their high torque and horsepower capabilities. They make pulling big trailers and heavy loads a relatively easy task.
What electric truck has the highest payload capacity?
The Atlis XT electric truck has a payload capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, making it a top contender for heavy-duty hauling. Its impressive payload capacity is just one of its many impressive features.
Sources
- VNR Electric | Volvo Trucks USA (volvotrucks.us)
- Run on Less – Electric Depot (runonless.com)
- tested by beverage giant PepsiCo (electrek.co)
- not yet in full production (insideevs.com)
- a 2022 study (nrel.gov)
- argued over whether carbon-free hydrogen or electricity (nytimes.com)
- Heavy-Duty Electric Trucks (assemblymag.com)
- drivers love electric trucks (runonless.com)
- Pacific Gas & Electric (pge.com)
- Low Carbon Fuel Standard (ca.gov)
- Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (californiahvip.org)
- Detroit® ePowertrain™ (demanddetroit.com)
- Detroit® eConsulting (demanddetroit.com)
- Detroit Connect® (demanddetroit.com)
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