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Electric trucks are gaining ground in the transport sector. Due to stricter environmental regulations, rising diesel prices, and the increasing demand for sustainable logistics, more and more companies are switching to electric trucks. However, a common concern is the range of an electric truck. How far can an electric truck travel on a full battery? And how do factors such as weight, driving style, and charging infrastructure affect its practical usability? In this article, we cover everything you need to know about electric truck range and how to optimize it.
For companies in the transport sector, reliability is of utmost importance. A truck must deliver on time without unexpected stops for charging. The range of an electric truck plays a crucial role in this. While a diesel truck can typically travel 1,500 km without refueling, the electric truck range usually falls between 200 and 600 km, depending on the model and conditions.
Load capacity: The heavier the load, the faster the battery drains.
Weather conditions: Cold or extremely hot temperatures can reduce battery performance by 20-30%.
Driving style: Rapid acceleration and hard braking significantly reduce range.
Road type: Long highway trips consume more energy than city traffic, where regenerative braking helps recover energy.
Long-distance transport is the biggest challenge for electric trucks. While urban distribution and regional routes are already well-served by electric models, long-haul transporters still have doubts. Brands like Volvo and Mercedes are working on electric trucks with extended ranges. One potential solution is battery-swapping technology, where an empty battery is replaced with a fully charged one in just a few minutes. This could be a game-changer for the industry, but the infrastructure is still under development.
The success of electric trucks heavily depends on the availability of charging points for electric trucks. A widespread network of fast-charging stations is crucial to minimizing downtime.
Key aspects of charging points for electric trucks:
Fast-charging stations: These can charge a truck battery to 80% in 30-60 minutes.
Megawatt Charging System (MCS): This new charging protocol enables up to ten times faster charging for trucks. However, the charging plug is still in development.
Charging hubs at logistics centers: Large distribution centers are increasingly investing in their own charging facilities to minimize charging time.
Although the electric truck range still represents a limitation, there are ways to maximize it. Smart route planning helps to select routes with enough charging points for electric trucks and avoid energy-consuming highways.
In addition, efficient driving behavior, such as utilizing regenerative braking and avoiding unnecessary acceleration, can contribute to a longer electric truck range. Aerodynamic adjustments like spoilers and side skirts reduce air resistance, which helps the truck use less energy. It's also important to optimize tire pressure since correctly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance and can improve the electric truck range. Finally, AI and telematics can support drivers in choosing the most energy-efficient routes and driving styles, leading to optimal use of battery capacity.
One of the biggest questions in the transport industry is how electric trucks compare to diesel trucks. The cost per kilometer of an electric truck can be 20-40% lower due to reduced maintenance and energy costs. However, the high purchase price remains a challenge.
Lower energy costs: Electricity is cheaper than diesel.
Less maintenance: No oil changes, fewer moving parts.
Zero emissions: No CO2 emissions, which can lead to tax benefits and subsidies.
Limited range: Not ideal for long trips without charging infrastructure.
Long charging time: Even fast charging takes longer than refueling a diesel truck.
High purchase price: Payback periods vary depending on the business model.
Not every transport company has the same needs. The ideal range of an electric truck depends on the business model:
Urban distribution: A range of 150-250 km is often sufficient.
Regional transport: 300-600 km is desirable, with fast-charging options along the route.
International long-haul transport: Not yet optimal without charging infrastructure, but developments such as battery-swapping technology could change this.
Are you interested in purchasing an electric truck, or would you like to learn more about the possibilities? At BAS World, we are happy to assist you. Contact us!