A new report has revealed that Volvo’s electric semi-trucks have driven an incredible 50 million miles, which is like circling the globe over 2,000 times without a drop of diesel. Volvo first started selling these vehicles in 2019, and they’ve recently become pretty popular. Let’s look at how these electric giants are changing things for the better.
Diesel Trucks
According to the Electrek report, if those 50 million miles had been driven by diesel trucks instead of Volvo’s electric ones, we would have used over 6.6 million gallons of diesel. But we’ve managed to avoid all this extra pollution, which just goes to show the huge environmental savings that could come from electric vehicles. Even though things aren’t perfect, the changes we’ve made already are pretty important.
A Spike in Truck Deliveries
In 2023, Volvo increased its electric deliveries by an incredible 256%, shipping nearly 2,000 of these greener vehicles. Many more companies are interested in these electric cars because they’re trying to be more sustainable. From these figures, it seems that many of these companies are turning to Volvo to do so.
Volvo Dominates in Europe
Over half of the people buying electric trucks in Europe are choosing Volvo, with approximately 56% of the market leaning toward their cars. People likely prefer these vehicles because Volvo is a trustworthy car brand known for reliable performance and good sustainability. As environmental standards tighten, Volvo’s marked dominance is likely to continue.
Making a Mark in the US
Back in the US, around 44% of electric truck buyers are going for Volvo. Clearly, many American businesses have a keen interest in electric vehicle (EV) technology, and they trust Volvo in particular. On a wider scale, these figures also show a move towards cleaner transport solutions across the country.
Early Adopters Lead the Way
Of course, the EV industry is still in its early days, although plenty of forward-thinking people have decided to buy these vehicles. Having so many early supporters will hopefully lead to broader industry changes, which could help more companies become sustainable. If they can see the real benefits of going green, they’re more likely to make the switch.
Cutting Carbon Big Time
Reports show that the transport sector is responsible for about 7% of all global carbon emissions. If we want to meet global climate targets and improve air quality worldwide, we need to reduce these emissions drastically. Adopting electric vehicles on a large scale could be the way to do this.
Reducing Emissions
A San Francisco study found that between 2018 and 2022, as more electric vehicles hit the roads, the amount of toxic gases went down by about 1.8% each year. Overall, this worked out to be around a 2.6% annual drop in vehicle emissions, although there’s still room to grow. The state’s target is a 3.7% reduction in emissions each year.
Save Some Cash with Electric
Switching to electric can also mean saving money, as you won’t have to make any stops at the gas station, nor will you have to deal with any sudden gas price increases. Going electric can also improve the economic efficiency of running a fleet, which reduces the total cost of ownership and increases the appeal of electric trucks for business operations. It’s a win-win.
Fewer Breakdowns, More Uptime
Electric trucks are also better for your wallet because they require less maintenance. They have fewer parts, so fewer things can go wrong. As such, these trucks can spend more time on the road and less time in the shop. Being so reliable is pretty important for most businesses because it means better logistics efficiency and reduced downtime, which helps them manage tight delivery schedules and keep customers satisfied.
Kids Breathe Easier with EVs
Even the youngest of people would benefit from having more electric vehicles on the road. Research has found that if we go completely electric by 2035, we could see millions of fewer respiratory issues in kids. Going electric could clearly have a significant health impact, which has encouraged policymakers to push for faster electric vehicle adoption.
Greener Goods Movement
It’s not just trucking companies that are looking to go electric, though, as people who need stuff moved are also asking for greener options. This is part of global measures to clean up our act from start to finish. Consumer and corporate values are moving towards environmental responsibility, and this is creating a new era of green logistics.
Quieter, Safer Urban Trucking
Electric trucks also make cities quieter and safer, which makes everyone’s day a little better. Improving urban areas is important for improving the quality of life in densely populated areas that often suffer from noise and safety issues. As such, electric trucks are an important part of sustainable urban development.
Limited Range of Electric Trucks
Unfortunately, it’s not all good news, as many electric trucks currently on the market have a relatively limited range. Typically, this is around 194 miles, though some can reach up to 300 miles with extended-range batteries. Such a limitation can be a real challenge for truckers traveling long-distance travel without frequent recharging stops.
High Initial Cost
Similarly, electric trucks usually have a higher upfront cost than traditional trucks, as the tech packed into these vehicles isn’t cheap. Companies are still scaling up to lower those costs. Even though you’ll save on fuel and maintenance down the road, that initial price tag can be a bit too much for anyone or any company thinking about making the switch.
Charging Infrastructure Challenges
Finding a spot to charge your electric truck can be pretty difficult, especially in less urban areas. Even though the charging network is getting better, it’s not quite there yet, and many rural areas lack adequate access to charging stations. Truckers planning to drive for the long haul will need to map out those charging stations ahead of time.
Battery Replacement Costs
Changing out the battery in your electric truck isn’t like changing a car because it’ll cost you quite a bit of money. Unlike other car costs, replacing an EV battery is inevitable since batteries degrade over time, so anyone getting an electric vehicle will have to think about this. This kind of vehicle may actually work out as being more expensive.
Weight and Efficiency Issues
Speaking of batteries, electric trucks are a lot heavier than gas vehicles because of their battery size. This extra weight can make them less nimble on the road and harder on the infrastructure they roll over. Even though you’re helping the planet, an electric vehicle can cause issues with your truck’s handling from the added bulk.
Charging Time
Waiting for your truck to charge feels like watching paint dry, and it’s even worse if you’re not at a high-power charging station. Anyone who’s trying to keep a tight schedule for deliveries or pick-ups will have to factor in this downtime, which can be a real drag. Essentially, this waiting time could actually make the delivery process less efficient than a diesel vehicle.
Cold Weather Performance
Electric trucks also don’t tend to do well in the cold, as your EV’s battery efficiency will suffer when the mercury drops. This can mean less range and more stress if you’re far from a charging station, which can be a major problem if you’re trucking in frostier places. Electric trucks don’t work everywhere.
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