Trucking companies all over the world are moving towards an electric future. And for many, going electric sounds like a relatively simple endeavor. One simply needs to acquire electric trucks, charge them up, and run them, right? Well, the reality of the situation is not that simple. Electrifying a truck fleet requires a lot of planning and proper implementation.
Electric OEMs and trucking companies are today running tests to determine what real-world electric truck adoption will look like. There is a lot of misinformation out there and trucking companies that want to be successful will need to spend some time differentiating the hype from the reality. What will it take to adopt and operate electric trucks? As you make your plans to switch, consider today’s blog post a handy guide on the realities of electric truck adoption.
Electric Vehicle Types and Use Cases
There will generally be four classes of electric commercial motor vehicles. Operators will utilize them running everything from yard tractors all the way up to Class 8 heavy duty commercial motor vehicles. Already, organizations testing electric CMVs are learning that small vans and step vans have much different requirements than, say, an electric big rig.
In fact, the business cases for electric CMVs of the smaller varieties are developing quickly. These are generally last-mile delivery operators who run loads anywhere from 5 to 50 miles. You will also generally see them running in urban environments.
Right after small trucks, electric medium-duty trucks are also seeing large scale adoption. Medium-duty CMVs generally run on ranges of 50 to 100 miles. So, just like smaller CMVs, medium-duty electric trucks run in ranges that can be covered utilizing today’s electric vehicle technology. Currently, the average range for an electric vehicle – whether passenger or commercial – is around 250 miles.
Utilize Yard Testing
One of the best ways for fleets to assess how they will adopt and use electric CMVs is to utilize them in the yard. Yard testing is a common tactic for trucking companies adopting new technology. Terminal tractors and yard trucks represent a great way to learn about electric trucks without risking issues running them on the open road. Yard trucks generally do no more than tow empty trailers on flat ground, so when it comes to charging and using them, fleets can figure out proper methodologies without unnecessary risk.
And although yard and spotter trucks generally work around the clock, trucking companies are finding that keeping them charged is not a major issue. In many cases, they are developing policies that ensure they are charged using opportunity charge periods when they are not in use. Some also come with regenerative braking systems to help them recharge as they are in use.
One successful methodology is to place charging stations close to bathrooms and lunchrooms or anywhere else where truck drivers take a yard break. When the trucks are placed back on the chargers during break times, that is generally enough to keep them halfway charged or better.
Charge for the Future
Certainly, utilizing charging infrastructure comes with a hefty learning curve. But it is absolutely necessary to ensure your vehicles remain charged and in use. Until a nationwide comprehensive electric charging infrastructure is developed, it will be up to trucking companies themselves to ensure goals are met and vehicles stay charged.
It is also important to remember that vehicle charging is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. With different vehicles you may need to utilize or understand different charging systems. For example, you can use an AC120-volt domestic charger to charge a single passenger car overnight, but the same charger might not work for even a medium-duty commercial motor vehicle.
Level 2 AC outlets are used for heavy-duty machinery, such as washing machines or air compressors. Level 2 AC outlets can also be used to fast charge a single passenger car. But for electric trucks, no matter the size, you will likely need a DC fast charging system. DC fast chargers can better accommodate trucks and larger battery sizes. In the future, expect to see megawatt charging systems developed with the goal of charging a Class 8 CMV in 20 minutes.
Consider Your Applications Before Switching
As we have mentioned before when discussing a switch to electric trucks, it is important that fleet managers consider the applications. Routes and payloads also play a vital role. Payload especially is a challenge because the battery weight of electric trucks is greater than that of a gasoline powertrain on traditional internal combustion vehicles.
Since you need a larger power density and range in CMV applications, you need to start out running routes that have lighter payloads. This way you can test whether or not an electric truck is right for the application without loading it up and then running out of juice enroute.
Weather and environment also play big roles in electric truck usage. Extreme temperatures – at both ends of the scale – can cause performance issues for battery packs. It will be important as you test electric vehicles to keep a close eye on temperature ranges, heating, and cooling. This way you will prevent excess wear on the batteries themselves. And since each charge/discharge cycle saps a little bit of capacity from the battery over its lifetime, you must be very careful how, when, and where you test.
Infrastructure Should be Considered
We have talked a lot about the infrastructure bill being bandied about in Washington D.C. While this bill would be a game-changer for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, you also need to pay close attention to charging infrastructure in the yard. Why? Because most fleet operations will require a 480-volt, three-phase, commercial power unit with a circuit breaker built-in.
It is important you consider charging infrastructure before beginning your conversion to electric trucks. Mostly because it can take up to three years to get sufficient charging and power storage capacity built up and installed. So, while electricity costs less than diesel fuel, there are other expenses you must consider. To make sure costs don’t spiral out of control, make sure you do not charge your vehicles at maximum capacity during peak load times.
Obviously, using electric trucks can save a lot on fuel, but you also need to ensure other aspects of your operations stay robust as you make the switch. Preventative maintenance is one such example. No longer will be focusing on just oil and grease, as you do for internal combustion vehicles. Instead, the focus will be on electrical wiring, charging, batteries, and software.
Keep a Close Eye on Range and Training
How you wind up using your electric truck fleet will factor into the cost and weight of your batteries. But if you are running a long-haul fleet where range is the most important factor, then you need to pay very close attention to the batteries you spec. Right now, there are few long-haul electric truck options. Electric big rigs are still in development, but in the coming years, the technology underpinning them will mature.
One of the best ways to address range and reduce the number of batteries you require will be through aerodynamics. You will want to keep drag at a minimum. As such, investing in aerodynamic tech should be a no-brainer when it comes to electric truck adoption.
Still, you also want to pay close attention to how your truck drivers operate the vehicles. This should include the number and types of in-cab accessories they use. Truck drivers operating electric trucks must be trained on proper power management. This way you will get the most out of each charge.
Rely on Data for Optimal Charging
Electric trucks are going to be very tech heavy. As a result, they will be generating a lot of data. Smart fleet managers will use that data to optimize charging and run time. Still, don’t let the amount of data being generated overwhelm you. We have talked in the past about how to properly manage your data to prevent information overload.
You want to focus on data where energy management is concerned. You may need to also negotiate rate plans with your local utility provider. And you will need to thoroughly understand when you should charge your vehicles and what charging cycle you should use. Remember that peak demand charge time can have a negative impact on your bottom line.
Remember that you do not need to charge every vehicle in your fleet at the maximum rate and to the maximum level. It will be up to you to utilize your operational data to make charging decisions. Then techs and truck drivers will make the right decisions when it comes to how and when to charge. As long as you ask the right questions, conduct the right research, and organize the right data, your fleet will be well prepared for the coming electric truck revolution.