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Nowadays, there's no avoiding it: sustainability. The transport industry is no exception. The standard diesel engine truck is making way for something new: the electric truck, commonly known as the e-truck. In this article, we'll tell you everything about how far the development of electric trucks has come, their range, and what the cost of purchasing an electric truck is.
Buying an electric truck is an investment in the future. Increasingly, environmental zones are being implemented that restrict certain vehicles from entering. By purchasing an e-truck, you ensure that you can drive anywhere, and you can even put more vehicles on the road. Electric trucks are significantly quieter, which means they can also operate during specific hours. Brands like Volvo, Mercedes, and Man are starting to bring electric trucks to the market. Today’s technology allows trucks to drive not only short distances but also increasingly longer routes. Next year, Volvo will take a unique position in this regard—more on that later. In addition to technology, stricter regulations are driving new developments. Governments are trying to make the switch to electric driving more attractive through subsidies.
One interesting aspect of electric driving is the range of the electric truck. Compared to passenger cars, it is much more complicated for trucks to achieve a large range. The weight of the vehicle and its energy consumption must be taken into account. Currently, the range is around 300 to 400 km, and it is expected that within a few years, this will increase to 500 km.
This is probably the big question when considering buying an electric truck. The price, of course, depends on the model and specifications of the vehicle. Currently, an electric truck costs between €150.000 and €300.000. There are several financial advantages to choosing electric. For example, operational costs are significantly lower, as electricity is cheaper than diesel. Additionally, an electric truck requires less maintenance. Another benefit: subsidies for electric driving. Want to know the price of an electric truck tailored to your needs? Contact us for more information.
The government aims to make the switch to electric driving as attractive as possible. For instance, there’s the AanZET (Purchase Subsidy for Zero-Emission Trucks), which allows your company to recoup part of the costs. There are also tax benefits for companies investing in sustainable vehicles.
Since this development has a major impact on the future, top brands are responding. Volvo has already introduced several models, mainly suited for regional transport. Volvo’s goal is to have a large part of its fleet electric by around 2030. Mercedes also has electric models, such as the eActros, designed for heavy regional distribution. Another focus for Mercedes is expanding its charging network to make it easier and faster for electric trucks to charge. MAN recently launched its first electric truck, the eTGM, mainly aimed at city transport. They are currently working on developing models suitable for long distances and heavy loads.
Let’s take a closer look at one of the top brands, Volvo. Volvo is poised to achieve a breakthrough: an electric truck that can drive up to 600 km on a single charge. In other words, a milestone for emission-free long-distance transport. Volvo is expected to introduce the long-distance version of the FH Areo Electric next year. This means the e-truck can be deployed on long-haul routes. The FH Areo Electric operates with a new drivetrain technology. The e-axle provides room for more battery packs. Additionally, other factors contribute to an increased range: more efficient batteries, an advanced battery management system, and overall drivetrain efficiency. This is a development we will continue to closely follow.
When purchasing an electric truck, you might wonder: How does charging an electric truck work? This is perhaps one of the biggest challenges. An e-truck consumes more energy than a regular passenger car, which means a powerful and fast charging infrastructure is necessary. Currently, most e-trucks are charged at fast charging stations, which are increasingly available along major traffic routes. Depending on the truck's size, they can be charged within a few hours.
We asked one of our team members to list why switching to an electric truck might be interesting for you:
Koen (Sales Engineer at BAS Truck Center): "With a conventional Diesel truck, you will encounter many issues within the next 5 years, such as zero-emission zones (ZE-zones), the German MOUT regulation, and rising Diesel prices. Apart from the fact that an electric truck can easily perform in most operational areas, the truck also has the advantage that these regulations do not apply to a zero-emission truck."
Koen (Sales Engineer at BAS Truck Center): "Furthermore, sellers often calculate a TCO (total cost of ownership). This usually involves a comparison between a diesel and an electric truck. It is often the case that the costs for an electric truck are equal to or slightly higher (over a period of 7 years). With the current subsidy schemes for the purchase of an electric truck and/or a charging station for the truck, these costs often turn out to be cheaper than for a diesel truck."
Would you like to know more about this? You can find more information on our website. Prefer to speak with a representative? Then contact us and our experts will be happy to assist you!