ELECTRIC VEHICLES FEATURE Electrifying heavy vehicles


Heavy vehicles are responsible for 28 per cent of US carbon emissions in the transport sector. While electric cars are drawing in increasing consumer appeal, do we need to start feeling the same about heavier vehicles? Simone Bruckner, managing director at Cressall, investigates whether heavy electric vehicles are in it for the long haul


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lectrifying heavy vehicles has many benefits. As well as not consuming any


fossil fuels or emitting carbon dioxide (CO2), the vehicles are completely clean if their electricity comes from renewable sources. An electric drive consists of fewer parts, with the electric motor being the only moving one, reducing the risk of breakdowns and the need for frequent servicing. An e-vehicle’s more simplistic design also means that it can be built more compactly, and makes less noise than vehicles with combustion engines. Electrification also boosts vehicle


efficiency. Electric engine losses are significantly lower than a diesel engine’s, lowering the cost per kilometre of electric travel on vehicles such as buses. In addition, electric motors can deliver


peak torque almost instantly, meaning they can excel at towing large loads from a dead start up or gradient. This is especially useful for delivery and haulage trucks, which are


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for new capabilities could also hinder large e-vehicle adoption — if vehicle operators are misinformed. Charging infrastructure could require a


often expected to carry large and heavy loads along fast travelling motorways. Faster acceleration will also help to shave off the time of a delivery truck’s route, helping them deliver more products with less waiting time. While electrifying heavy vehicles can be


beneficial, their deployment is met with challenges. Technological uncertainty, large up-front investment and the need


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redesign of bus depots and service stations that would need to accommodate for fleets of large vehicles. For large electric vehicles to become commonplace, their required technologies must help them to outshine any reservations. For example, special attention should be payed to battery technology and increased power service should be considered for the multiple high-power use chargers in truck charging facilities. Electrifying heavy vehicles brings a


wealth of benefits beyond supporting our environment. With the potential for cleaner, more efficient and more cost- effective transport, it’s clear that businesses should update their fleets.


Cressall cressall.com


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ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING | JUNE 2020 25


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