Over the last decade, the U.S. has seen a growing usage of EV trucks in drayage pickup. An EV is an electric vehicle that fully or partially uses battery power. Unlike traditional cars, EVs do not require gasoline and regular oil changes. Trucking companies and port operators are beginning to benefit from using these types of carriers. Notably in California, which has the most significant number of electric trucks at port facilities in the U.S. Last year, a charging station company announced plans to build 30 EV charging stations in the Port of Long Beach. Many are now seeing drayage as a potential catalyst for the nationwide adoption of EVs.
How will EV Trucks In Drayage Benefit Supply Chains?
Including drayage, EVs can have numerous supply chain benefits for shippers. The most significant advantage is the environmental friendliness they allow since they do not emit pollutants. Lower CO2 emissions are ideal for the transportation industry’s plans to reduce its carbon footprint. Another benefit of EVs is the money a carrier or shipper can save. Trucks that rely on gasoline for fuel can lead to significant costs in the long run. EVs require charging, which means that drivers don’t have to purchase diesel on a weekly basis. Maintenance costs are also less for EVs than traditional vehicles because they do not require oil changes, fuel filters, etc.
What Are The Challenges For Adapting EV?
While EVs have many benefits on drayage and supply chains, they do not come without challenges. For example, EVs tend to have a lower driving range than diesel trucks. Since EVs rely on electric power, they may require frequent charging stops. This impacts supply chains requiring long-haul trucking since the stop can lead to delays. Since EVs are still a relatively new concept, manufacturers must build more charging stations for long-haul trucking. Another challenge is that the price of electronic vehicles is much higher than traditional trucks. An EV a shipper uses for drayage services can cost $185,000, twice that of a standard diesel truck. However, the long-term savings can outweigh the up-front costs.
EV Drayage Is Part Of A Bigger Zero-Emission Goal
The U.S. is the second largest emitter of CO2 globally, producing nearly 5,000 million metric tons yearly. Domestic shipping makes up a considerable amount of the emissions. To lower CO2 production, the Federal Sustainability Plan was recently put in place by the U.S. Government. One of the main goals is to have net-zero emissions by 2050, which has led to the growth of EVs. California, in particular, has had an increase of zero-emission drayage vehicles with a complete implementation plan at ports by 2035. Ports in other states also have zero-emission goals. In Georgia, Port Houston plans to become fully carbon neutral by 2050.
The Port of Savannah in Georgia is also embracing the switch to EVs; however, the transition has been gradual. Despite its growth in recent years, it may be a while before EVs become a common conveyance for shipping cargo. Shipments still have to move domestically, and we are here to help. Contact A1 Freight Solutions at 786-375-9420 to learn about our numerous trucking solutions for your supply chain.