How Electric Vehicles Will Change the Trucking Industry

A 2020 survey from Automotive Fleet found that 90% of fleet managers described the implementation of electric vehicles into the trucking industry as “inevitable.” And they were not wrong.

At the time of the survey, there were 1.3 million electric vehicles on US roads. Four years later, that number has skyrocketed to 17 million. The adoption of EVs in commercial trucking presents numerous opportunities for cost savings, environmental sustainability, and government compliance benefits, all of which can be advantageous for fleet managers worldwide.

But the integration of electric vehicles isn’t just something that can bring advantages to those working in the road logistics industry—it has the potential to change the industry as we know it moving forward.

By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, requiring less routine maintenance, and offering new amenities and features for truckers, electric vehicles are, and will continue to be, the driving force behind a new era of trucking operations in general.

Increased Fuel Cost Savings

One of the most significant and measurable ways electric vehicles are changing the trucking industry is by becoming increasingly less reliant on fuel to function and perform their transportation services.

While environmental incentives strongly motivate trucking companies to switch out their diesel-hungry regular trucks for electric ones, those who still need convincing will likely change their minds when they see the difference this change makes to their bottom-line fuel costs.

A FleetOwner survey found that trucking firms can save between 80 and 90% net on fuel costs after factoring in what they pay for electricity when charging an electric truck. This astronomical cost cut demonstrates just how much cost-saving potential a shift like this can have for the trucking industry in the future.

Operational Cost Savings

Fuel savings aren’t the only savings from using electric vehicles. In fact, operational savings are massively changing how trucking companies think about electric vehicle integration. This is because there are a lot of maintenance and operational costs associated with regular fuel-consuming vehicles that simply don’t apply to their electric counterparts, such as:

• Oil changes and oil filters
• Spark plugs and ignition coils
• Fuel filters
• Fuel injector cleaning
• Mufflers and timing belts
• Catalytic converter cleaning
• Air intake filters

None of the above components and functionalities are required to maintain electric vehicles. Beyond the upfront cost of purchasing an EV, running and maintaining these green trucks is much more affordable, contributing to massive cost changes for the trucking industry’s future.

Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions

According to Tesla, diesel-fueled semi-trucks are responsible for as much as 18% of US vehicle greenhouse gas emissions. These pollutants are not only bad for the planet, but they also directly contribute to serious health risks such as heart attacks, strokes, and various forms of cancer.

Switching from diesel-fueled trucks to electricity-powered trucks saves massive amounts of greenhouse gases from being emitted into the atmosphere.  This is changing the way trucking companies view environmental sustainability and making it easier for them to meet greenhouse gas reduction targets set for future dates.

Updated Safety Features And Amenities

Collisions are a major concern in the trucking industry. Not just because of the potential loss of lives but also because of the cost of repairs, having a truck off the road for an extended period, and potential legal liabilities.

In the event of a collision, a truck accident lawyer can help ensure fair outcomes and check that the correct safety precautions and requirements were met. However, electric vehicles often come with cutting-edge amenities and safety features. These innovations add an extra element of safety behind the wheel and reduce the chances of a collision. They also help to meet government-set safety requirements and offer employees a more secure working experience.

Some of the most recent and emerging technologies in the electric vehicle industry include:

• Emergency braking
• Automatic lane keeping
• Forward collision warning
• Enhanced traction control systems
• Inward-facing dash cams with facial recognition technology

These features are designed to protect truck drivers while in transit and make it easier for companies to uphold safety standards while maintaining pace and delivering high-quality services to evolving clients.

Government Incentives And Compliance

There is already a huge push for trucking companies to meet environmental milestones. Still, the need to perform in this area from a business compliance perspective will only increase over time.

By allowing companies to meet their greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and demonstrate their measurable commitment to combating climate change, it is likely to be easier for businesses in this sector to adhere to government-set regulations.

This also applies to how easily trucking companies will be able to receive financial support from investors. With environmental compliance becoming increasingly pertinent to high-profile business investors, trucking companies that can meet the required targets on this front are most likely to receive the support they need to continue growing and expanding their business.

Industry Competitiveness And Progression

The trucking industry market is expected to reach $38.76 billion by 2032. Trucking firms are growing more diverse and advanced by the second, and adopting electric vehicles into the evolving fleet system will be an effective way for companies to stay ahead of the game and maintain industry competitiveness. 

Wider Audience Appeal

As technology and environmental science evolve, so do clients and client needs. Electric vehicles will play a significant role in how fleet companies appeal to their audience and open up new avenues for different kinds of professional relationships within the industry.

The need for environmentally friendly and cost-effective trucking solutions will continue to grow over time, amplifying the demand for electric vehicles in the global trucking market and cementing these innovative forms of transportation as key players in the future of road logistics.

Full Speed Ahead: Electrified Fleets Pave The Way Forward

Electric vehicles are one robust solution to the mounting environmental challenges the trucking industry faces today.

Able to combat rising fuel and operational costs while maintaining a consistent pace and countering the effects of climate change, electrified fleets will—and already are—change the trucking industry for good. Along with AI, automation advancements, and machine learning, the logistics sector is set to make some incredible operational, technological, and environmental leaps in the coming years.

Meta Title: How Electric Vehicles Are Changing The Trucking Sector| The Weekly Driver

Meta Description: From improved safety to a decrease in carbon emissions, electric trucks are an industry game-changer. These vehicles are having a major impact.