Electric trucks: what you need to know

Electric trucks are seen as both ecological and economical solutions. They aim to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution associated with freight transport. But let's take a closer look at the advantages and challenges associated with these vehicles, particularly for professional fleets. What is their range? How do they recharge? What options are available on the market, and at what price? Here's a comprehensive overview of electric trucks and their charging stations.

The emergence of electric trucks: a turning point for the industry

The advent of electric trucks marks a revolution in the transport sector, promising a significant reduction in emissions and increased energy efficiency. This transition to electrification opens up new prospects for the industry, in harmony with global ecological imperatives.

Battery life and power

Vehicles are fitted with lithium-ion batteries, essential for storing energy and powering electric motors. The capacity of these batteries determines the truck's range, or the distance between two recharges. This range varies, of course, according to model, weight, speed and type of road. Among electric trucks, the MAN eTGM can haul up to 26 tonnes over 200 km, while the Tesla Semi, capable of towing 40 tonnes, achieves an impressive range of 800 km. The Renault Trucks T E-Tech, meanwhile, promises a range of 300 to 500 km, depending on the battery chosen.

Environmental and economic benefits

Switching to electric trucks offers many advantages. From an environmental point of view, these vehicles significantly reduce CO2 emissions and other pollutants harmful to the climate and air quality. According to a study by Carbone 4, electric trucks emit 85% less CO2 over their lifecycle than diesel trucks. Their operation also contributes to lowering noise pollution, enhancing the comfort of communities and drivers alike. In economic terms, despite the higher price of electric trucks, there are significant savings in terms of maintenance costs and energy consumption, as electricity is generally more affordable than diesel, and electric motors are more efficient. What's more, electric trucks benefit from financial incentives such as subsidies, tax exemptions and easier access to certain urban areas.

The different types of electric trucks and their uses

Electric trucks are diversifying to meet a wide range of uses in the transport and service sectors. These include, of course, electric commercial vehicles and electric trucks designed for long-distance goods transport. There are also trucks designed for much more specific sectors. These include electric tipper trucks for the construction and waste management sectors. Electric refrigerated trucks for the food sector, or electric buses for the passenger transport sector. Electric fire trucks, innovative in the safety and rescue sector, promise speed and reliability, while reducing the carbon footprint of emergency services. Each category is specifically adapted to its field of application, paving the way for sustainable, high-performance mobility in a variety of industries.

Technological challenges and recent advances

Despite these positive points, the electric truck faces challenges, particularly in terms of range, which is limited by current battery capacities, and recharging time. The average range of 300 to 500 km may not be sufficient for long-distance journeys, and recharging infrastructures still require significant development to avoid long interruptions in vehicle operation. However, notable advances have been made, such as advances in battery technology and improved recharging infrastructures. Swiss manufacturer Futuricum, for example, set a record by covering 1,099 km in just 23 hours without recharging. Major brands such as Volvo Group, Daimler Truck and Bump are committed to developing a European network of fast-charging stations, consolidating the future of this promising technology.

The main players in the electric truck market

The electric truck market is booming and attracting a growing number of manufacturers, offering a variety of models for different needs. Here are some of the key players:

Renault Trucks, which since 2020 has offered a full range of electric trucks, from 3.1 to 26 tonnes, manufactured in France. In addition, the company has launched two new models in 2023 with a capacity of up to 44 tonnes: the Renault Trucks T E-Tech for regional transport and the Renault Trucks C E-Tech dedicated to the construction sector.
Tesla created shockwaves in 2017 with the announcement of its Tesla Semi, capable of towing up to 40 tons with an impressive range of 800 km.
MAN introduced its MAN eTGM in 2018, specializing in urban and suburban deliveries with a capacity of 26 tons and a range of 200 km.
Mercedes-Benz unveiled its eActros model in 2018, capable of transporting up to 25 tonnes and travelling 200 km on a single charge.

What's more, we're already seeing the emergence of a new market, notably for used electric vans, which is growing by leaps and bounds.

Charging infrastructure for electric trucks

Charging infrastructures for electric trucks are the cornerstone of adoption in the heavy transport sector. They are essential to guarantee the autonomy needed for long-distance journeys and to support operational efficiency. Deploying these facilities represents a major but crucial challenge for the energy transition of commercial fleets.

Fast, standard and home charging stations

Charging stations for electric trucks vary in power and range. There are two main types:

DC fast-charging stations deliver between 150 and 350 kW and recharge around 80% of a truck's battery in 90 minutes.
Standard AC recharging stations, with a power rating of 22 to 44 kW, allow 80% recharging in 9 to 11 hours.

Location and availability of charging stations

Access to charging stations for electric trucks is an essential aspect of their adoption. In 2023, according to ChargeMap, only 10 charging stations for these vehicles are operational in Europe. They are spread across six nations: France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland and the Netherlands, most of them located near freeways or industrial areas. To locate a charging station, drivers are advised to use mobile applications such as the Bump app. These platforms provide essential information such as location, wattage, plug type, cost and availability of charging stations.

Interoperability of charging stations

Charging station interoperability refers to the ability of electric trucks to charge at any facility, regardless of manufacturer, energy supplier or payment system. This is a crucial factor in the expansion of heavy-duty electric vehicles, as it simplifies the driver's journey and reduces costs. Harmonization of technical standards, communication protocols and billing systems is essential to achieve this. In Europe, the CCS (Combined Charging System) standard is widely accepted for electric trucks, enabling AC or DC charging via a single connection.

Government and private investment in infrastructure

The development of charging infrastructures for electric trucks requires substantial investment from both government bodies and private companies. Governments have a role to play in providing financial support, tax incentives and encouraging regulations.

The future of road transport: integration and the challenges of electrification

The future of road transport is moving towards the increasing integration of electrification, redrawing the landscape of mobility with more sustainable solutions. This trend, which brings with it innovation and efficiency, also raises challenges in terms of infrastructure, technology and market acceptance.

The impact of electric trucks on the energy grid

The development of electric trucks brings both opportunities and challenges for the power grid. On the one hand, they encourage the transition to renewable energies, using sources such as solar, wind and hydro power. They also provide solutions for grid stability, for example through energy storage or regulation services, as demonstrated by the Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) project. However, they also impose significant constraints by increasing demand for electricity and generating consumption peaks during recharging periods. Grid capacity therefore needs to be adapted to accommodate electric trucks, requiring enhanced power generation, transmission and distribution, as well as optimal demand management, for example through intelligent or programmed recharging.

Future innovations in battery technology

Advances in battery technology are crucial to boosting the performance of electric trucks. Current research is focusing on multiple objectives, including increasing capacity, reducing weight, cutting costs, improving service life, safety and battery recycling. Expected advances include :

Solid-electrolyte batteries offer higher energy density and greater safety than lithium-ion batteries, thanks to their solid component, which promotes ion transport.
Semi-solid-state batteries, characterized by a pasty compound, are being considered for their ability to reduce weight and volume while improving battery capacity and power.
Lithium-air batteries, which use oxygen from the air as a reagent, offer enormous energy potential. However, they still represent a challenge in terms of stability and durability.

Policies and incentives to accelerate adoption

To encourage the integration of electric trucks in the transport sector, various policies and incentives have been put in place, aimed at lowering barriers, supporting competition and promoting the ecological transition. Notable measures include :

CO2 emission standards, which impose significant reductions in greenhouse gases. The European Union, for example, requires a 15% reduction by 2025 and a 30% reduction by 2030 from 2019 levels.
Financial assistance for the purchase of electric trucks, such as the Advenir scheme in France, which covers up to 50% of the extra cost, up to a maximum of 9,000 euros.
Tax advantages, reducing the cost of use, as is the case in Germany with the exemption of electric trucks from heavy vehicle tax.
Regulatory measures facilitating access for electric trucks in urban areas, as in Norway, where they benefit from a 50% reduction in tolls and free access to ferries.

Case studies: companies that have adopted electric trucks

A number of companies have already integrated electric trucks into their fleets for a variety of reasons, ranging from ecological commitment to economic benefits. Here are a few emblematic cases:

Amazon has placed an order for 100,000 electric vans with Rivian, affirming its goal of being carbon-neutral by 2040, with first deliveries expected in 2022.
Carrefour in France has integrated 10 Renault Trucks D Z.E electric trucks, reducing its CO2 emissions by 99% and noise pollution by 50% for deliveries in Paris.
Lidl has deployed 4 Mercedes-Benz eActros electric trucks in Germany and Switzerland, a fleet with a range of 200 km and a loading capacity of up to 18 tonnes.
UPS intends to reduce its costs and carbon footprint with the purchase of 10 Tesla Semis, boasting an exceptional range of 800 km for transporting cargo of up to 40 tonnes.

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Electric trucks are proving to be a promising ecological and economic alternative to traditional diesel trucks, but they face technical and infrastructural challenges. They herald a dynamic market, with solutions tailored to different needs. Advances in battery technology represent a decisive challenge for their future. Finally, the involvement of public authorities and the private sector, through policies and incentives, is essential, and several major companies have already taken the step towards electrifying their transport fleets.

Everything you need to know about electric trucks and charging stations