We’ve spoken about the importance that trucks have in logistics – being a important component of the supply chain and ensuring that vital logistics is possible. However the future of trucks could change with the development of electric trucks from manufactures such as Renault, MAN, Mercedes, DAF, BMW, Tesla and Volvo. But, are electric trucks the future of road transport, or should businesses stick to tried and tested diesel trucks?
What Are the Benefits of Electric Trucks?
Whereas most trucks on the road today are powered by diesel engines, electric trucks use one or more electric motors for propulsion, with the source often being lithium iron batteries. The power of electric trucks is measured in kilowatts (kW), with 100kW equal to 134 horsepower.
Whilst electric cars have had a ‘renaissance’ since 2008, electric trucks haven’t had this same renaissance, but are becoming more available for businesses.
The main reason why electric trucks are becoming more popular is due to the environmental effect that diesel powered engines are having on the environment. Diesel engines create pollution which has a damaging effect on health and a multitude of effects on the environment. Electric trucks produce no pollution, which is good in cities as people are more likely to be affected by pollution and policymakers are creating stricter air quality reforms in cities.
Running cost are another reason why electric trucks are tipped to become the future of road transport. Diesel fuel is a product of crude oil – a product which will eventually become scarce in supply based on the current global consumption. This will in turn see the price for diesel rise and become uneconomical for businesses to use. Using electricity to power a vehicle is a more cost-effective option.
Are Electric Trucks Truly a Viable Alternative?
The question is whether electric trucks are going to be the future of road transport, or whether diesel truck will live on. Despite all of the health and environmental benefits of electric trucks, there are limitations.
Electric trucks are heavier than their diesel counterparts, making logistics in areas with weight restrictions, such a villages, more challenging. The range of electric motors is another one of the limitations, especially for long distance or international road transport. The Tesla Semi, one of the most advanced and expensive electric trucks available, has a range of 300-500 miles, relying on regular stop-offs to keep the vehicle on the road, causing delays to operations.
Which one would you choose – electric or diesel? Dawsongroup have been an early pioneer for producing greener innovative technologies for our consumers. We have useful applications of technologies like zero emission refrigerators on trucks, CNG fuels on trucks, sweepers and buses. If you’d like help in acquiring either an electric or diesel-powered truck, get in touch and we can help you with a cost-effective finance package. Contact us by emailing info@dgfinance.co.uk or calling 01425 474070.