The growth of electric trucking is a popular topic as technological advancements have allowed for new solutions in domestic shipping. An electric semi-truck is a vehicle that relies on batteries to power the motor and move it. The method of movement is different from traditional trucks, which depend on gas as a power source. Initially rising in popularity with smaller electric cars, many freight transport companies are starting to see the potential benefits. After a company announced the production of the first electric semi-truck in 2017, other companies began to follow. While electronic trucking is still uncommon, there are upsides and downsides that it can mean for shipping in the future.
What Can The Growth of Electric Trucking Mean for Shipping?
A potential switch to electric trucking can have many advantages for the domestic shipping industry. The most significant benefit is the effect that it will have on the environment. Since regular trucks rely on gasoline, they release CO2 emissions into the air, causing pollution. This can lead to global warming on a large and even international scale. Health benefits like a decline in lung cancer and heart attacks are also possible. The American Lung Association reports that a complete transition to zero-emission trucks by 2050 can prevent 66,800 premature deaths and 1.75 million asthma attacks yearly. Another benefit of electronic trucking is excellent safety when moving freight.
Safety comes from the way that makers construct electronic carriers. Manufacturers design electric semi-trucks with accidence-avoidance technology to avoid potential crashes from happening. Since the batteries are at the bottom of the vehicles, there is a low center of gravity. This means they are less likely to roll over than traditional trucks. The total ownership cost is also less than trucks that operate on diesel fuel. Diesel is more expensive than electricity, and the full price can accumulate over long distances. Savings also come from the less maintenance that vehicles with electric motors have. For example, these types of trucks do not require oil changes, engine filters, and gas refuels.
What Are the Downsides?
Although electric trucking has many advantages, it is still relatively new and may have disadvantages. The most significant downside is the truck’s distance without having to charge. Currently, electric semi-trucks can travel nearly 500 miles without needing to charge. Conventional trucks that rely on gas can go almost 2,000 miles without refueling. There still are not enough charging points nationwide for cargo that has to ship far distances. While an electric carrier may be better for saving in the long run, upfront costs are much more than regular trucks. The amount can be nearly three times as expensive.
Despite the downsides, many believe electric trucking is the future of transportation. In 2019, there were over 2,000 electric semi-trucks on U.S. roads, which could reach 54,000 by 2025. Shippers are already using the carriers for shorter hauls. As electric trucks become more popular, a growing number of charging points will appear nationwide. Goods will soon be able to transport over longer distances. While it may be a while before a significant number of trucks are electric, cargo still has to move domestically. Contact A1 Freight Solutions at 786-375-9420 to learn about our many solutions for moving your shipments.