Electric trucks offer a green and economical alternative to traditional trucks diesel trucks. They make a significant contribution to reducing CO2 emissions in the transport sector. But what are the real benefits and challenges associated with the adoption of electric heavy goods vehicles? How has their market presence evolved? What are the prospects? Let's find out why electric trucks are an integral part of the shift to greener mobility, and how to adopt them.
The evolution of electric trucks on the market
Needs continue to evolve in the mobility sector, and the diversity of electric vehicle types available on the market now includes trucks adapted to different load capacities. Electric trucks represent a real solution for reducing emissions in the multi-ton transport sector.
History and early models
Contrary to what you might think, the idea of electric heavy goods vehicles goes back over a century, with the first prototypes appearing in the late 19ᵉ century. However, these vehicles were quickly eclipsed by internal combustion engine trucks, which proved more efficient and economical, particularly for long distances and multi-ton hauls. It wasn't until the turn of the 2000s that interest in electric trucks re-emerged, especially in the urban distribution sector, where environmental issues and noise reduction are of paramount importance. At that time, renowned manufacturers such as Renault Trucks, Volvo, Mercedes and Scania introduced electric light trucks and electric utility vehicles, specially designed for local distribution. In fact, electric refrigerated trucks are becoming increasingly common in this sector.
Recent technological advances
In recent years, technological innovation has made electric trucks considerably more competitive than their diesel counterparts, enhancing both performance and range. Thanks to the evolution of lithium-ion batteries, which now offer greater capacity and durability, and to the increased power and efficiency of electric motors. Thanks to the emergence of a variety of recharging solutions, it is now possible to design electric trucks for more demanding missions, such as regional transport and construction work. Companies at the cutting edge of innovation, such as Tesla, have even launched long-distance models capable of covering several hundred kilometers without recharging. The first vehicles to test this technology on a large scale are electric buses.
The impact of environmental regulations
The development of electric trucks is also stimulated by an incentive-based regulatory framework aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of the transport sector. Europe, through the European Commission, has set itself the target of reducing CO2 emissions from heavy goods vehicles by 15% by 2025 and 30% by 2030, based on 2019 levels. At the same time, the introduction of low-emission zones (ZFE) in several major cities restricts or penalizes access by diesel trucks. This further encourages the transition to electric trucks, which are neutral in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and local atmospheric pollutants.
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Charging infrastructure for electric trucks
The growth of electric trucks requires a robust recharging infrastructure tailored to their specific needs. These differ greatly from those of light vehicles, particularly in terms of charging power and battery capacity.
Recharging power requirements
To recharge an electric truck efficiently, charging stations need to offer considerable power. Fast-charging stations for these vehicles typically deliver between 150 kW and 350 kW, enabling batteries to be significantly recharged during short breaks. Pilot projects and infrastructures under development aim to increase this power up to 1 MW to further reduce recharging times and improve the viability of electric trucks for long-distance journeys. But these enormous powers are still in the prototype stage.
Development and accessibility of charging stations
The installation of charging stations for electric heavy goods vehicles is strategic, and is mainly focused along freight corridors and near major logistics centers. These stations must be easily accessible for large vehicles and offer several simultaneous charging points to meet demand. The aim is to create a network dense enough to ensure that recharging is never an obstacle to the operational efficiency of electric HGV fleets.
The Bump charging solution for heavy goods vehicles
Against the backdrop of the growing electrification of heavy goods vehicle fleets, Bump offers a comprehensive, integrated solution designed to effectively meet the challenges of recharging these imposing vehicles. Our solution stands out for its comprehensive support, from the deployment of charging stations to the optimized management of charging sessions, both on the road and in the workplace.
Bump charging infrastructure
The electrification of a truck fleet must be accompanied by a charging solution to match. That's why we offer charging stations with high-power terminals, starting at 240 kW and going up to 400 kW.
In addition, terminals for electric trucks require connection capacities of around 50 kVA per vehicle. We do our utmost to anticipate these steps, which can sometimes be relatively lengthy. That's why it's essential to be accompanied by a quality operator who takes your operations into account, in order to find the most appropriate solution.
The Bump terminal network on the road
Bump's offer focuses on reliability and availability, with a terminal availability rate in excess of 98%, well above the national average. This performance is essential for maintaining the operational efficiency of electric truck fleets and guaranteeing uninterrupted routes for recharging.
Cost control and scalable solutions
Bump is committed to controlling the cost of recharging to no more than 40cts/kWh, an initiative designed to make recharging electric trucks as economical as possible and help you control your TCO. In addition, the company anticipates change within companies by preparing employees to use these new technologies and adapting recharging solutions to the specific operations of each customer.
The advantages and challenges of electric trucks
Transport fleets are increasingly considering electric trucks as a viable option for reducing operational costs. However, there is still a need to facilitate access to this solution, in particular by emphasizing the advantages of electric power.
Environmental and mobility benefits
Electric trucks offer significant environmental and mobility benefits compared with diesel-powered trucks. They produce neither greenhouse gases nor local pollution, thus improving the impact of road transport on climate and air quality. Their silent operation reduces noise pollution and facilitates night-time deliveries or deliveries in areas subject to strict regulations. These vehicles can also operate in low-emission zones (ZFE-m), where diesel trucks are often restricted or taxed, offering a competitive advantage and smoother traffic flow.
Improving energy efficiency
In terms of energy efficiency, electric trucks outperform their diesel counterparts. According to the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), they require an average of just 1.5 kWh per kilometer, compared with 3.3 liters of diesel, representing a 60% reduction in energy consumption. This increased efficiency is due to the superior performance of electric motors, which convert over 90% of energy into motion, whereas combustion engines are limited to 40%. What's more, energy recovery during braking helps to partially recharge the batteries and extend range.
Challenges related to range and recharging time
The choice of an electric truck type largely depends on the specific application and the distance to be covered. Despite their advantages, electric trucks face major challenges, particularly when it comes to range. With limitations of between 200 and 500 km per charge, depending on the model and type of use, they are still a long way from rivalling the 1000+ km range of diesel trucks. This limitation necessitates frequent recharging, prolonging downtime and affecting productivity. Recharging time varies according to the power of the terminal used, and can last from 2.5 to 11 hours. Investment in high-capacity charging stations is therefore crucial to keeping a fleet of electric trucks operational.
Cost and charging infrastructure
The higher initial cost of electric trucks, mainly due to the price of batteries (representing around 40% of the total cost), is a further obstacle. However, savings on fuel, maintenance and taxes can offset this additional cost. A study by Transport et Environnement predicts that the total cost of ownership of electric trucks could be lower than that of diesels by 2025, thanks to subsidies and the inclusion of environmental costs (notably the E-TRANS program). However, the large-scale deployment of electric trucks requires the establishment of an adequate recharging infrastructure, a major challenge requiring the support of the authorities and private investors. Assessing the purchase price and operating costs is therefore essential when switching to a fleet of electric trucks.
The future of electric trucks
Today's truck manufacturers are developing electric solutions tailored to the demands of multi-ton transport. Advances in battery technology for electric trucks promise extended range and reduced recharging times.
Future innovations and projections
Truck manufacturers are racing to innovate, pushing the performance, range and cost of electric trucks even further. Renault Trucks, for example, recently unveiled two new models weighing up to 44 tonnes: the Renault Trucks T E-Tech, designed for regional transport, and the Renault Trucks C E-Tech, designed for construction activities. Tesla, meanwhile, is working on its Semi model, promising a remarkable range of 800 km and a towing capacity of 36 tonnes. According to projections by Transport et Environnement, an environmental association, electric trucks could account for 50% of truck sales in Europe by 2030.
The influence of electric trucks on industry
These vehicles have a significant beneficial impact on the industries that adopt or produce them. They reduce operating costs, boost competitiveness and enhance the image of companies committed to sustainable mobility. The rise of electric trucks is also spurring innovation and job creation in the manufacture of batteries, motors, charging systems and related services. They encourage the emergence of new collaborations between the various players in the transport, energy, industry and community sectors, in order to develop solutions aligned with the specific needs of territories. Manufacturers are striving to reduce the price of batteries, key elements in the total cost of an electric truck.
The transition to sustainable logistics
Electric trucks are an essential component in the transition to more sustainable logistics, with the aim of minimizing the environmental and social impact of freight transport. This requires a rethink of traditional production, distribution and consumption patterns, in particular by promoting short circuits, multimodal transport, load optimization, resource pooling and direct user involvement. Playing a pivotal role in this transition, electric trucks offer a clean, efficient and adaptable alternative, capable of meeting the challenges and seizing the opportunities specific to each region.
Electric trucks represent the future of transport, combining environmental, economic and social benefits. Continuously improved by technological advances and supported by appropriate regulations, they have a positive impact on both the industries that use them and those that manufacture them. As part of a sustainable logistics approach, they help minimize the ecological footprint of goods transport. For more information on electric trucks, or if you're thinking of adding an electric truck to your fleet, or even a used electric van, please don't hesitate to contact us. We'll be delighted to advise and support you in your move towards greener mobility.
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