Electric Trucks 101: Are They Worth It?

The electric vehicle revolution has swept past automobiles and into the heavy-duty transportation sector in recent years. In order to lessen pollutants, noise pollution, and the freight industry's dependency on fossil fuels, electric trucks have become a viable alternative. There is a great deal of enthusiasm and expectation about their potential to transform the way commodities are moved while also lessening the environmental impact of conventional diesel-powered vehicles. Still, it begs the question: Are electric trucks really worth all the hype?

By contrasting gas and electric vehicles, we want to provide a definitive response to the query, "Are electric trucks good?" in this blog article. We set out on a journey that promises to reveal the actual value of electric trucks, from cutting-edge scientific developments to the harsh reality of implementation. All you have to do is read this through to the conclusion to find out if electric trucks are really worth the hype and how aftermarket modifications might improve these quiet, emission-free behemoth!

What distinguishes gas-powered trucks from electric-powered trucks?

The methods used to power and propel vehicles are essentially different for gasoline and electric trucks. Their drivetrain methods and power sources are the main causes of their discrepancy. The foundation for several other ways that the two vehicle technologies differ from one another is this fundamental difference in power generation. 

The contrast between gas and electric vehicles includes a wide range of factors that together influence their operational, environmental, and financial effects. These factors range from emissions profiles and efficiency metrics to maintenance requirements and structural issues. The following are some significant variations between gas and electric trucks:

Energy Source

Internal combustion is the basis of operation for gasoline-powered trucks. They operate on a piston-cylinder principle, in which air and fuel are combined, compressed, and ignited; the piston is propelled by the explosion that results. Commonly seen in trucks, diesel engines work on a compression ignition cycle, which compresses air before injecting fuel. Spark plugs are used in gasoline engines to ignite the combination of fuel and air.

Electric trucks: These vehicles run on battery-powered electric motors. Electric motors generate motion through the interaction of a current and a magnetic field. The electric motor is powered by electrical energy that is stored in the battery pack.

Outputs

Pollutants include nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrocarbons (HC) are released by gasoline-powered trucks. These pollutants fuel global climate change, respiratory issues, and pollution.

Electric trucks don't emit any pollutants while operation because they have zero exhaust emissions. However, depending on the energy mix of the grid, emissions may be created during the generation of the power utilized for charging.

Effectiveness

Gasoline trucks: Since internal combustion engines are usually only 20–30% efficient, a large amount of fuel energy is wasted as waste heat.

Electric trucks: Electric motors have a high efficiency, frequently surpassing 90%. This implies that less energy is wasted as waste heat.

Keeping up

Gasoline trucks: Parts including the fuel injectors, exhaust system, spark plugs, and transmission need to be maintained on a regular basis. Lubrication requires oil changes.

Electric trucks: Require less maintenance since they have fewer moving parts. No gearbox maintenance, oil changes, or exhaust system repairs are necessary.

Infrastructure for Charging

Gasoline trucks: Gas stations are widely distributed and provide convenient means of refilling.

Electric vehicles: The infrastructure for charging is still growing, particularly for large, powerful trucks. There are several places to charge: at home, at work, and at public charging stations.

Vary

Trucks that run on gasoline have set ranges and rapid refueling capabilities.

Electric trucks: Their ranges were formerly limited, but advances in battery technology are making them longer. Many hundred kilometers may be covered by certain contemporary electric trucks on a single battery.

Price

Initially, gasoline vehicles are less expensive than electric trucks.

Electric trucks have greater initial expenses as battery technology is more expensive. However, because of their lower operational expenses, they may end up being more economical in the long run.

Achievement

Gasoline trucks: Proven performance traits, such as hauling capability and acceleration.

Electric trucks: The rapid torque produced by electric motors leads to remarkable acceleration. Due to the way that electric motor power is delivered, they can also provide a considerable towing capability.

How much time does an electric truck require to charge?

Generally speaking, the battery capacities of electric vehicles range from around 50 kWh for smaller models to over 1,000 kWh for heavy-duty trucks. These battery capacities are expressed in kilowatt-hours (kWh). A smaller electric truck may require several hours to fully charge using a standard residential charger, which can only deliver 7 to 22 kilowatts of power. 

In contrast, a powerful DC fast charger, which can deliver up to 350 kilowatts of power, can drastically shorten charging times, possibly enabling a truck to reach an 80% charge in less than an hour. In actuality, an electric truck's charging time varies greatly based on a number of parameters, including:

• Battery Dimensions and Capacity: The batteries found in electric trucks come in a range of dimensions, expressed in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Heavy-duty vehicles can carry more than 1,000 kWh, whereas smaller versions can only have about 50 kWh. It goes without saying that a bigger battery will take longer to charge.
• Charger Type: An important factor in charging times is the kind of charger that is utilized. Smaller electric trucks may require several hours to completely charge using residential chargers, which generally have a power output of 7–22 kW. However, powerful DC fast chargers may supply up to 350 kW, which significantly cuts down on charging times. It is possible that they may charge a vehicle to 80% in less than an hour.
• Charging Speed: The rate at which energy is transmitted to the battery is referred to as the charging speed. Faster battery replenishment is correlated with higher charging rates. It's a crucial component in figuring out how long charging will take altogether.
• State of Charge (SOC): A battery that is almost empty will charge faster than one that is half charged. The pace of charging tends to fall down as the battery gets closer to full capacity.
• Temperature: Charging times might be impacted by extreme heat or cold. While extreme heat can cause the battery management system to lower charging speed in order to safeguard the battery, cold temperatures can slow down charging.
• Charging Standards: Various charging standards, such as CHAdeMO and CCS, may be used in various areas. Charging speed may vary depending on compatibility with the charging network.
• Regulatory Restrictions: The rate at which some charging stations or grids can charge cars may be subject to rules or limitations.
• Battery Management System (BMS): To ensure the longevity and safety of the battery, the vehicle's BMS may be able to control how the battery is charged.
• Manufacturer's Recommendations: Certain vehicle manufacturers may have their own recommendations about the best times and techniques for charging.

Even if there is a growing trend toward electric trucks, there are still issues that need to be resolved, such as the need for further infrastructure development, resolving range issues for specific applications, and guaranteeing cost competitiveness. Adoption rates also vary by region, and a number of important factors, including the availability of infrastructure and legislative support, influence these differences.