Hable con un agente al (888) 572-7520 
Enviar mensaje a un agente
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.
California: Scammers Impersonate FMCSA’s Motus System, Putting Trucking Companies’ Data at Risk
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is warning trucking companies about four fraudulent websites impersonating its new federal registration system. Scammers are using emails that demand urgent updates to redirect carriers to fake portals. The warning also applies to California motor carriers.
Do You Know How Much Money Your Truck Has Lost Sitting Idle in 2026?
Hours spent waiting at warehouses and distribution centers continue to cost American truck drivers time and money. Federal research has estimated more than $1 billion in annual lost driver income, while the FMCSA explores new ways to address detention time and its impact on road safety.
The Incredible Story of a Grave in the Middle of an Indiana Road
On a rural road in Indiana, drivers must navigate around a grave that has remained in the same location since 1831. The story of Nancy Kerlin Barnett, her family, and an unusual engineering decision has turned this stretch of pavement into one of the state’s most famous roadside curiosities.
Autonomous Trucks: Who Places the Warning Triangles When There’s No Driver?
A federal exemption allows warning triangles to be replaced with cab-mounted beacons on certain autonomous trucks. The decision addresses how to warn approaching traffic when no one can step out of the cab.
Diesel in the USA: Which States Suspended the Tax—and Which Still Charge It?
Georgia, Ohio and North Carolina have introduced temporary fuel tax relief. Texas, Indiana, Illinois and Utah have different measures, with limits that truckers should understand before calculating potential savings.
Indiana and Ohio Pave the Way for Autonomous Trucking
Backed by an $8.8 million investment and federal transportation funding, Indiana and Ohio are developing a corridor to test automated trucks in real-world freight operations. The project aims to improve highway safety, logistics efficiency, and interstate autonomous vehicle operations.
Business hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. California time