In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the adoption and development of electric trucks. Considering that on average, semi-truck drivers drive 125,000 miles per year, the use of electric semi-trucks could greatly impact efforts to reduce carbon emissions and expenses. Many manufacturers, Freightliner in particular, has been actively focused on electric truck development, aiming to lead the industry's transition towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation solutions.
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Here are some things you need to know about the future of truck fleets with the ongoing adoption of electric semi-trucks.
The eM2™ model is Freightliner’s medium duty truck, ideal for local distribution, food and beverage delivery, and last mile logistics applications like pickup and delivery.
The eCascadia is Freightliner’s heavy-duty semi-tractor also designed for local and includes regional distribution and drayage. Both the eCascadia and the eM2 have been undergoing real-world testing as part of Freightliner’s Electric Innovation Fleet initiative. This approach allows them to gather valuable data, feedback, and performance insights in real-world scenarios to further refine and improve their electric truck technologies.
The eM2 is available in either 26,000lb or 33,000lb Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
The eCascadia is available in either a 65,000lb or 82,000lb Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
Range can vary with the driver, weather, and other factors, but the eM2 typically goes 180-250 miles, while the eCascadia is designed to go 115-230 miles on a charge.
Charge time is dependent on three things:
The state of charge (SOC) is expressed as a percent. Similar to how much fuel is already in a gas tank, the SOC tells us how much power is already in the battery. So, charging a battery that has a 50% SOC takes about half the time to charge as a battery at zero.
It’s worth noting that the relationship to how fast the battery charges is fairly linear except at nearly empty and nearly full. At each end, the charge tapers to a lower rate to promote the health and long life of the battery.
An eM2 that is about “empty” can charge on the right charger in about 60 minutes to 80%. After 80%, the charge rate tapers off and time to 100% SOC varies. An eCascadia that is about “empty” can charge on the right charger in about 90 minutes to 80%. Like the eM2, after 80% the charge rate tapers off and time to 100% SOC varies.
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The size of the charger affects the rate the charger can supply electricity to the vehicle. This can vary greatly from about 20KW to about 350KW. The rate of charge in KW can be compared to the flow of a gas pump in gallons per minute (GPM). So the higher the KW or GPM, the faster a battery or gas tank fills. There is a limit with both being how fast the vehicle can accept the charge or fill.
Battery size can affect how much power the vehicle can store and can be compared to the size of a fuel tank in a vehicle. The higher the number of KW for electric, or gallons for diesel, the more power is stored in a vehicle.
Battery life and overall longevity are influenced by a variety of factors, some of which include:
This requires a little planning and a conversation with local electric utilities. Most utilities can handle a pilot project of one or two trucks. But future additions of say 10 or more trucks may be more than they can provide electric power for without upgrades to lines and transformers. The cost to make the upgrades to the utility can be significant and may or may not be covered by the utility.
It is important to know not only if the power is available, but how you are charged for the power. Rates for power, when its used and how much is used vary greatly by utility and can significantly affect the OPEX of the project.
Understanding where you want to deploy the chargers is also important. For instance, if you want to deploy the chargers at the customers distribution center, you need to consider who owns the property where the charges will be located.
The success of electric vehicle adoption is dependent on an individual utilities’ ability to manage increase in power usage.
The upfront cost (CAPEX) can be higher than a typical diesel truck or tractor due to the electric semi truck’s high voltage batteries. However, depending on the fleets location, available grants and incentives could help bring the purchase price down.
What is most notable around the cost of electric semi-trucks is the operating expense (OPEX) is normally much lower. This means that in the right application, the total cost of ownership (TCO) can be the same or less than a diesel truck or tractor in the same application, yet the benefits to the environment can be greater.
Peach State Truck Centers has subject matter experts on staff that can help model the cost of both the purchase and the TCO over the life of the vehicle to help you make an informed decision. Contact us to learn more.
We do. We currently offer the Freightliner eM2 and Freightliner eCascadia.
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