In a world grappling with global warming, electrifying transportation is essential, and trucks are no exception. They can efficiently operate on batteries, including diverse types such as Amazon delivery vans, garbage trucks, and 18-wheelers. For instance, Pepsi's successful use of 21 Tesla Semis for routes up to 450 miles exemplifies this capability.

Forbes article here: https://lnkd.in/gZFks2Yt

Data from the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) "Run on Less" event in September 2023 further validates the effectiveness of electric trucks.

22 different electric semis from various manufacturers demonstrated their feasibility for daily operations, with Tesla's models showing exceptional performance.

Contrary to some misconceptions, the weight of electric trucks and potential road damage are not significant issues. Even though electric semis are slightly heavier than diesel trucks, many states allow heavier vehicles on roads. A flawed study linking weight to road damage has been debunked, affirming that heavier electric trucks don't pose a significant threat to road infrastructure.

Range anxiety is also not a real concern. Current batteries already meet a significant portion of trucking needs, and advancements in battery technology are rapidly extending this range. For example, CATL's new batteries, initially aimed at electric aviation, will soon enhance road vehicle ranges, doubling the current limits. Silicon chemistries being commercialized now multiply range further.

The challenge lies in infrastructure, particularly in installing high-speed chargers at truck stops. Tesla is leading the way, upgrading its Supercharger network to include Megachargers for its Semis. This advancement, along with the extended range of new batteries, makes long-distance electric trucking increasingly feasible.

Despite the progress, some studies mistakenly downplay the potential of batteries for trucking, failing to recognize their rapidly improving efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Autonomous trucking adds another dimension to this evolution, demanding operational adjustments but also offering cost benefits over diesel. Alternatives like overhead trolley wires or biodiesel range extenders remain viable interim solutions, but the ultimate goal is clear: the future of trucking is electric, as evidenced by China's significant adoption of over 500,000 electric trucks to date and the inevitable failure of hydrogen-based strategies in the U.S. and Europe.

This shift towards electric trucking is not just technically feasible but also economically and environmentally imperative.

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