NACFE has released the third in a series of four reports on electric trucks, this one focusing on tractor-trailers performing regional haul deliveries. Weight and range are key elements in deciding which duty cycles are ready to become electrified. The data for the report comes from the "Run on Less - Electric" demonstration run by NACFE in the fall of 2021. 13 different models of battery electric trucks were monitored in operations by real fleets. Four of these vehicles were tractor-trailers, with all of them operating in California.
There are clearly many duty cycles for long haul and heavy haul operations that are not ready for electrification. But there are also many port drayage and urban city delivery applications that are prime opportunities to escape from internal combustion engines and utilized zero emissions alternatives.
Utilities would be wise to start interfacing with some of the key fleets in this arena, such as Penske, Schneider, NFI and others because their energy needs will be very large as charging infrastructure is put in place. Fleets may require substantial new levels of power that take years to install in some places.