For several years, the trucking industry has been forced to deal with widespread problems. Rising fuel prices, a lack of qualified drivers and federal regulations including the authorization of electronic records are killing profits. Trucking companies of all sizes are looking to reduce the volatility of the freight market so they can better control their budgets. Experts say electric trucks have the ability to improve the trucking industry. But can this technology really prevent several of the problems facing the trucking industry? Take a look at the benefits of electric semi trucks to find out.
Electric Truck Market
Currently, the electric truck market is just getting started. There are currently three pre-production models of Class 8 semi-tractors:
- Tesla Semiconductor
- Nikolai One
- Thor Trucks ET-One
Each of these Class 8 tractors are able to withstand the current weight limit of up to 80,000 lbs. Where they differ is in the specs. For example, the ET-One is an all-electric truck with a battery-powered range of 300 miles. The Tesla Semi is another all-electric semi-trailer with a range of up to 500 miles. Meanwhile, the Nikola One, a hydrogen-electric tractor, has a range of up to 1,000 miles. The new trucks are expected to enter production for the Tesla Semi and ET-One in 2019, while the Nikola One will enter the commercial market in 2020.
Improving the state of the trucking industry
The freight industry is changing rapidly thanks to advanced technologies ranging from safety features to fully electric semi-autonomous. These trucks will change the way the industry works, which most industry professionals see as a positive evolution. We can expect fluctuations in shipping and shipping rates during this period of change.
Impact on Driver Productivity
One of the biggest questions facing electric semiconductors is how this technology will reduce operating costs. Part of that involves driver productivity, because the more miles a driver can cover, the more money they can make for the company. In addition to being electric, these new trucks are also designed with flat panels in place of dials and gauges. They are also equipped with self-driving safety features. All of these features are expected to reduce the stress associated with operating large drilling rigs. Less stress and easier truck driving promise to boost productivity.
Driver salary increase
Right now, the driver shortage is creating a competitive wage market featuring massive signing bonuses and benefits. Electric trucks don’t currently fully alleviate the driver shortage, so wages remain competitive. However, we can also see that truck drivers need to be educated in advanced trucking techniques to help them operate these types of trucks. This can increase wages based on the amount of training required for the type of job.
Save money on diesel
What's the biggest part of any trucking company's expense report? Fuel tickets represent 30 to 40 percent of a driver's cost per mile. This is the largest part of trucking operating costs.
In theory, yes, but they also need to consider setup costs to run this electric fleet. On the surface, this is a huge financial gain for trucking companies of all sizes. This could save those smaller carriers or companies from debt by giving them a financial boost, but only if they can afford to adopt fully electric trucks and technology.
Improved driver performance
Ultimately, trucking companies that wisely choose to invest the extra revenue in their own fleets will have the ability to improve driver performance. With the automated safety features of these new electric trucks, operators are also finding success in the areas of driver safety and performance. These features include Autopilot, which automatically focuses the driver on the road. This helps drivers avoid collisions. The design of the new truck is also more aerodynamic. As a result, they have a low center of gravity, which helps prevent rollovers.
