Why Electric Trucks?

Electric trucks are becoming more popular, but what differentiates an electric truck from a diesel-powered truck, and why should you consider buying one? An electric truck is powered by one or more electric motors and lacks the combustion engine found in diesel trucks. Electric trucks are designed to operate emission-free, significantly reducing their environmental impact. According to the European climate goals established in 2019, road transport in Europe must be CO2-neutral by 2050. To achieve this, at least 30 Dutch cities must have a zero-emission zone for urban logistics by 2025. According to Johnny Nijenhuis, a consultant for electric trucks, no new diesel trucks will be sold after 2035.

What Does an Electric Truck Cost?

Although electric trucks are currently more expensive than diesel trucks, they will be cheaper in the long run. At present, electric trucks cost between one and a half to four times as much as diesel trucks. For example, an electric truck often costs between €250,000 and €300,000, whereas a new diesel truck can be purchased for as little as €100,000. However, it is expected that electric trucks will become more attractive and could be cheaper than diesel trucks within three to five years. This is because electricity is cheaper than diesel, and electric vehicles require less maintenance.

Range of an Electric Truck

One of the biggest concerns with electric vehicles is their range. This is because covering long distances with heavy loads consumes a lot of energy, and batteries could not previously handle this demand. However, investments in battery technology have significantly increased the range. Some electric trucks can now travel hundreds of kilometers on a single charge, making them suitable for many transport applications. On average, an electric truck can travel between 200 and 400 kilometers at a stretch.

Brands of Electric Trucks

Volvo is a leading brand in the world of electric trucks and is considered a market leader. However, other well-known brands such as MAN, DAF, Tesla, and Mercedes-Benz also offer electric trucks. These brands contribute to greater variety and competition in the electric truck market. The investments in electric vehicles by these brands show that the transport sector is increasingly moving towards electrification.

Benefits and Disadvantages of Electric Trucks

While electric trucks are becoming more prevalent, there are also some disadvantages. Curious about the pros and cons of electric trucks? Read on for a brief overview.

Benefits of Electric Trucks

Electric trucks are environmentally friendly because they emit no harmful exhaust gases while driving. This not only contributes to a cleaner environment but also enhances the image of companies using electric trucks. Another benefit is that electric trucks have access to environmental zones. Additionally, electric trucks have lower operational costs since these vehicles require less maintenance and electricity is cheaper than diesel. An extra benefit is that these trucks are quieter, causing less noise pollution.

Disadvantages of Electric Trucks

Although electric trucks are a promising option for sustainable transport, there are still challenges to overcome. One of the main obstacles is the higher purchase price compared to traditional trucks. Other disadvantages include limited range, insufficient infrastructure for charging electric trucks, and longer charging times. Moreover, there is currently a limited supply of electric trucks compared to diesel trucks, making the transition more difficult.

Despite these challenges, the growing interest in electric trucks is a promising step towards more sustainable transport. It is clear that further development of electric trucks is necessary to overcome these disadvantages. While there are still significant obstacles for electric trucks, electric commercial vehicles are already more popular. Curious about the electric commercial vehicles we have online? Click here!