Driving Change: The Impact of Electric Truck on Sustainable Transportations

Today, we are witnessing the skyrocketing prices of petrol and diesel and how the use of traditional fuel-powered vehicles is exacerbating environmental issues. This trend is contributing to a rise in air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and environmental degradation. With a growing awareness of the environmental consequences, the demand for electric vehicles is steadily rising. After electric cars and vans, manufacturers are now focusing on electric trucks.

So, let's step into the electrifying world of transportation, where trucks are fueling sustainability.

What is an Electric Truck?

An electric truck is any type of truck that has battery-electric as its primary propulsion technology, powered by rechargeable batteries alone or by a combination of an internal combustion engine and electric propulsion. These trucks are also known as EV trucks and are available in various types.

EV trucks are designed to minimize CO2 emissions, noise, and air pollution, and can be used for a wide range of transport assignments, from city distribution to heavy-duty regional haul and construction operations.

How Does an Electric Truck Work?

EV trucks work by utilizing battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell electric, or hybrid electric propulsion technologies. These trucks are usually equipped with rechargeable batteries and contribute to a sustainable environmental approach by reducing CO2 emissions. The specific working mechanisms of an EV truck can vary based on the type of electric propulsion technology used.

EV trucks represent a significant shift towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation options. The popularity of these trucks is rising due to increasing transportation needs. As per Kings Research's recent study, the global electric truck market is expected to be valued at $6460.9 million by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 32.66% over 2023-2030. This number projects immense growth for this industry.

Benefits of Electric Trucks

EV trucks offer a range of benefits for both private users and companies. Here are some of the key advantages:

Cost Savings

• EV trucks are cheaper to operate compared to traditional diesel trucks. Drivers can save money on fuel costs, with an average annual savings of about $700 while driving electric cars.
• The cost of electricity required to charge an EV truck is approximately 40% less than the cost of using gasoline for a similar-sized vehicle driving the same distance.

Environmental Friendliness

• These trucks do not emit pollutants, leading to reduced CO2 emissions and minimal air pollution.

Lower Maintenance

• Electric trucks have lower maintenance costs due to their efficient electric motors. Electric motors have fewer parts, leading to less damage and lower operating costs.
• Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have fewer moving parts than conventional petrol or diesel cars, resulting in relatively easier and less frequent servicing, which is overall cheaper than traditional vehicles.

Performance

• These trucks offer better performance than conventional trucks, including faster acceleration.
• They are well-known for their quiet operation and gobs of torque.

Public Charging Infrastructure

• The number of public charging stations in the United States has been increasing rapidly, and surpassed 165,000 ports as of 2023.

Government Incentives

• Government bodies in several countries are offering incentives to promote the purchase of electric vehicles, including electric trucks. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles can earn an incentive of $3,700 to $7,500 in federal tax credit on their purchase.

Latest Electric Truck Models Available on the Market

Below are the recent EV trucks manufactured by renowned automotive companies.

1. Ford F-150 Lightning

Ford F-150 Lightning Truck, an electric truck offering a standard or extended-range battery, with pricing starting at $49,995. It is available in 4 trim levels, namely PRO, XLT, LARIAT, and Platinum. This truck is equipped with two inboard motors, one for each axle. It serves as a trailer loaded for work and a bed loaded for the weekend camping trip. It is most popular due to its sleek and stealthy design.

2. Chevrolet Pickup Truck

The Chevrolet pickup truck, built on the Silverado electric platform, was launched in 2023 with two options: the RST First Edition and the Work Truck (WT). Available for $105,000, the RST First Edition offers 664 bhp, 780 lb-ft of torque, a 600 kg payload, and a 3,650kg towing capacity, and is available for $105,000. The WT has a 5-foot, 11-inch bed and is available for $39,900 on the market. Chevrolet has announced the launch of an electric version of its Silverado light-duty truck in 2024.

3. Lordstown Endurance

Lordstown Motors Corp., a prominent leader in the automotive industry, has started the production of its full-size Endurance pickup truck. It is an all-electric pickup truck ideal for the commercial fleet market. The vehicle has a 200-mile range and 550 horsepower.

4. Rivian R1T

Rivian, an American start-up, has developed an all-electric pickup truck called the Rivian R1T with a 300-mile range and a quad-motor powertrain. Starting at $73,000, the truck has 330 liters in the bonnet, 350 liters in the gear tunnel, and a sealed bin. It can wade through 900mm of water and tow almost five tons. It is gaining popularity due to its significant load space, efficient wading capability, and towing capacity.

To Wrap Up

The emergence of electric trucks represents a pivotal shift towards sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation. The benefits of these trucks include cost savings, reduced environmental impact, lower maintenance, and improved performance, making them an attractive option for both individual users and commercial fleets.

With a diverse range of EV truck models available or in development, coupled with various government and financial incentives, the market for these trucks is experiencing rapid growth, offering consumers a compelling alternative to traditional diesel-powered vehicles. As the infrastructure for electric vehicle charging continues to expand, electric trucks are poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of the transportation industry, fostering cleaner and more efficient mobility solutions for years to come.