Logistics is one of the largest sectors in the UK. Providing work for 57 million people, the haulage industry contributes £13.5 billion to the country’s economy. The rise of electric power has opened up new avenues for haulage, especially in making the sector more sustainable.
New technologies are bringing EV-powered trucks into the future, but this presents challenges and opportunities for an entirely new category.
The Green Revolution
One in every 32 vehicles on UK roads comes with a plug, showing that the future is undoubtedly green. Attention has turned to the environmental impacts of diesel-powered trucks so many organisations are turning to more sustainable alternatives. EVs offer lower carbon emissions and are more cost-efficient to maintain than petrol-powered vehicles.
The emergence of electric vehicles can also be attributed to concerns about air pollution and public health. Stricter emission regulations, particularly in urban areas, have emerged and are being enforced by governments and consumers alike.
Conglomerates such as Amazon have increased their electric fleet, with up to 10,000 electric lorries and vans set to make deliveries all over Europe.
Technological Advancements in EV Trucks
As the popularity of EV trucks grows, so do the technological advancements. Features such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) are opening up new possibilities and allowing drivers to make the most out of their vehicles.
The integration of composite materials into EVs means that vehicles are lighter and more sustainable. Regenerative braking is another staple of the electric vehicle and is making the way for single-pedal driving. This makes EVs easier to drive and allows drivers to save energy.
Challenges and Opportunities
While electric cars have taken off, the popularity of electric trucks has yet to peak. One of the biggest challenges for electric trucks is the lack of a charging structure. These have different requirements compared to passenger vehicles as commercial fleets have varying payload capacities and range anxieties.
Depending on the fleet operation, finding electric vehicles with sufficient range can be difficult. The lack of infrastructure also raises difficulties surrounding route planning.
EVs also have lower payload capacities than traditional vehicles, which can limit the amount of cargo that can be added safely. Regardless of the power source of the truck though, ratchet straps from suppliers like RS are still going to be required to safely secure cargo.
Future Prospects and Sustainability
Electric-powered trucks have a strong case for becoming commercially feasible in the near future, even if they aren’t winning the race against other rising alternatives. Widespread EV adoption has great benefits for the haulage industry, from reducing carbon emissions and expenses to meeting government regulations and environmental objectives.
Collaboration between manufacturers, policymakers and haulage companies is essential to driving the electrification of trucking.
