Evaluation of electric vehicles in freight transportation, opportunities and challenges

A study conducted by NACFE and RMI on the opportunities for electric vehicle adoption in the trucking industry

A study conducted by the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) and RMI last September evaluated the commercial performance of 22 battery electric vehicles ranging from Class 2b to Class 8 over a three-week period. These vehicles, belonging to various fleets and used in operations including vans, trucks, and heavy-duty tractors, were the subject of a recently published report on the adoption opportunities for electric vehicles in the road transport industry.

The report, released by NACFE on July 9th, highlights that despite ongoing challenges, the road transport sector is witnessing increased opportunities for the implementation of electric vehicles in fleets. Rick Mihelic, Director of Emerging Technologies at NACFE, emphasized that less than 10% of trucks operate at long distances or transport extremely heavy loads. Most electric vehicles operate on shorter duty cycles, covering distances under 100, 200, or 300 miles across various classes, suggesting a feasible transition from combustion to electric trucks.

The report identifies several key factors determining the suitability of low-emission vehicles in their operational cycles, including payload, range, and energy source type.

Key findings and recommendations

The fleet depots participating in the study included Frito-Lay, OK Produce, Penske, PepsiCo Beverages, Performance Team Logistics, Purolator, Schneider, UPS, US Foods, and WattEV. Each electric truck was monitored with telematics devices to assess its performance before data was provided to NACFE researchers. Additionally, NACFE conducted site visits and interviewed project stakeholders. From this information, the following conclusions were drawn:

Charging infrastructure

Developing infrastructure at both depots and along freight corridors is essential to advance transportation electrification. Establishing a broader charging network remains a primary challenge. Fleets can collaborate through strategic partnerships to optimize shared use of charging infrastructure.

Cost improvement and weight reduction

Manufacturers of heavy-duty trucks need to focus on cost improvement and weight reduction for electric vehicles. While total cost of ownership remains a challenge for many fleets, considerations of driver satisfaction and sustainability goals can enhance this assessment.

Realistic performance data

Accurate data on all key performance metrics of electric vehicles is crucial. This includes vehicle operation and charging infrastructure performance from both the utility and depot perspectives. Data should reflect current electric vehicle development realities and not focus solely on worst-case scenarios.