The freight transportation industry represents about 30% of our energy expenditure, and trucking accounts for fully 2/3rds of that number.
Furthermore, most of our trucks use diesel fuel — for dependability, higher torque, and lower maintenance. Unfortunately, diesel combustion produces exhaust gas particulates that are much more hazardous to breathe for human and other animal life.
Fortunately, as of 2019, there are at least a dozen manufacturers planning to release electric trucks in the market over the coming several years.
These are across all classes of trucks, and include several Class 8 long-haul, over-the-road super cruisers.
Initially, these trucks will be more expensive than their diesel-powered counterparts, but increased volume will result in lower prices.
Furthermore, since electric drive systems are much simpler and easier to build, within the decade, we could see electric trucks at even lower prices than their fossil fuel counterparts.
Finally, in addition to being cleaner and healthier for all of us, the maintenance costs of electric trucks are much lower, resulting in a more favorable TCO over the lifetime of the vehicle.
