Summary
- Electric vehicles other than cars should receive more attention, like big trucks for shipping
- Truck driver Tobias shares his experiences of driving electric big rigs in Germany
- His company, Nanno Janssen, specializes in electric trucks and has ordered over 40 of them
- Range of electric trucks in Germany is not a bottleneck due to driving and rest time regulations
- Challenges with the charging network in Germany but improvements are expected with more charging parks being built
Article
Electric vehicles are often associated with personal transportation such as cars, SUVs, and motorcycles, but there is a growing focus on electric trucks for shipping. These big trucks traditionally run on diesel engines, producing harmful air pollution and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. By replacing diesel trucks with electric ones, there is a significant reduction in toxic air pollution, decreased diesel fuel purchases, and a shift away from fossil fuel dependency. Electric trucks are becoming more popular in the logistics industry, particularly in countries like Germany where companies are investing in electric fleets and charging infrastructure.
German truck driver Tobias shares his experience of driving electric big rigs for a logistics company called Nanno Janssen. After founding a startup specializing in electric car charging infrastructure, Tobias transitioned to driving electric trucks to explore new aspects of e-mobility. Nanno Janssen, based in northwest Germany, has ordered over 40 electric trucks and built its own charging park with solar installations and a 4MW battery. Tobias shares that driving electric trucks, such as the Volvo FM Electric, Scania 40R, and Iveco S-eWay, offers instant and constant acceleration, making it safer and more enjoyable than diesel trucks. The absence of air and noise pollution is another significant advantage of electric trucks, improving the overall driving experience.
One of the key concerns with electric trucks is their range, which is a common issue in the electric vehicle industry. In Germany, there are strict driving and rest time regulations for truck drivers, which impact their ability to use the full range of a truck’s battery. Tobias explains that after driving for a maximum of 4.5 hours, he is required to take a 45-minute break, during which he can charge the truck and rest. This break typically charges the battery by 30%, providing an additional 150 km of range. With different electric truck models offering ranges between 350 km to 500 km, Tobias emphasizes that range is not the primary constraint for electric trucks in Europe. Instead, adherence to driving regulations and rest times play a more significant role in their operational efficiency.
While there are challenges with the charging infrastructure for electric trucks in Germany, with many chargers being unreliable or slow, there are ongoing efforts to improve this situation. The construction of 350 truck charging parks across Germany is expected to address these issues and provide more reliable charging options for logistics companies. Tobias is actively involved in promoting electric trucking through his YouTube channel and an app he developed to help electric truck drivers find suitable charging stations while managing their driving and rest time regulations. As electric trucks continue to evolve and improvements in charging technology are implemented, they are expected to become more viable for logistics companies worldwide.
Looking ahead, the future of electric trucks depends on advancements in charging technology, such as the Megawatt Charging System (MCS), which promises faster charging times and increased range for trucks. While electric trucks may not be suitable for long-distance routes in countries like the US or Australia due to differing regulations and distances, the growing popularity of electric trucks in Europe showcases their potential for global adoption. As the industry continues to prioritize sustainability and profitability, more logistics companies are likely to transition to electric fleets, benefitting from lower maintenance costs and reduced environmental impact. Overall, the shift towards electric trucks signifies a positive step towards a greener and more sustainable future for the transportation industry.
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