Electric trucks in transport logistics: comparison of models, ranges and applications
Stricter environmental regulations and rapid technological advances are driving a transformation in transportation logistics. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are at the forefront of this transformation. The growing interest in electric trucks is clearly reflected in the latest market figures. In the first half of 2024, the EU saw a 51.6 percent increase in new registrations of battery electric trucks. Germany stands out with an impressive 113.9 percent increase, accounting for more than half of all sales in the EU. These figures demonstrate the industry's growing confidence in electric mobility and highlight the growing importance of electric trucks for the future of transport logistics. In this blog post, we take a closer look at the different electric truck models and explain which use cases they are best suited for.
Light Electric Trucks (Class N1): These vehicles, with a gross vehicle weight of up to 3.5 tons are ideal for urban delivery and regional distribution. With a range of up to 200 km and the ability to charge using existing infrastructure, they offer a cost-effective solution for short distances.
Medium Electric Trucks (Class N2): With a gross vehicle weight of up to 12 tons, such as the Scania 45 R, these trucks are often used in regional distribution. They offer a greater range of up to 300 km and are ideal for daily operations over medium distances, supported by adaptable charging infrastructure.
Heavy Electric Trucks (Class N3): With a gross vehicle weight of up to 40 tons, such as the Volvo FH Aero Electric, these trucks face greater challenges in heavy-duty and long-haul transport. They require larger battery capacities, which can extend their range to up to 500 km. However, technological advancements and the development of more powerful fast-charging stations make these trucks a promising option for long-haul transport.
Mercedes-Benz eActros
Models: The Mercedes-Benz eActros is available in several variants tailored to different applications and requirements. The main models include the eActros 300, eActros 400 and the newer eActros 600, which is specially designed for long-distance transportation.
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Models: Volvo offers a wide range of electric trucks, many of which are well-suited for transport logistics.
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Models: Scania offers several battery-electric truck models, including the Scania 25 P BEV, Scania 25 L BEV, and Scania 45 R BEV, each designed for different use cases.
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Models: Renault Trucks offers a broad range of battery-powered trucks. While the Renault E-Tech C is designed for urban construction transport, the E-Tech T, E-Tech D, and E-Tech D WIDE are ideal for various transport activities.
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Models: The MAN eTGX and MAN eTGS are the battery-electric truck models in MAN's product lineup.
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Despite the initial challenges of building charging infrastructure and higher upfront costs, electric trucks are proving to be economically advantageous in the long run. Projections by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) indicate that battery electric trucks will be the most cost-effective option for decarbonization by 2030, further accelerating their adoption and acceptance.
Environmental benefits: Electric trucks make a significant contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions, helping companies meet their climate change targets. In addition, their quiet engines reduce noise pollution in urban areas, which is particularly beneficial for nighttime operations and inner-city deliveries. This not only improves the quality of life for city dwellers, but also reduces the environmental impact of urban areas.
Economic benefits: Although the initial purchase price of battery-powered trucks is currently higher than that of diesel models, this cost is quickly offset by lower operating costs and reduced maintenance requirements. In addition, companies can benefit from financial incentives such as toll exemptions and specific subsidy programs at the state level, such as the subsidy program in North Rhine-Westphalia, which specifically promotes the transition to electric trucks. In addition, the use of electric trucks enhances a company's image and provides a competitive advantage in a market increasingly focused on sustainability and green solutions.
Technological advantages: In urban applications, light and medium-duty battery electric trucks already have a comparable total cost of ownership (TCO) to their diesel counterparts, as lower operating costs offset the higher purchase price. For heavy-duty trucks in long-haul applications, TCO parity is expected to be reached between 2025 and 2026, as the batteries required for long-haul applications still have higher initial costs (source: ICCT). Ongoing advances in battery technology and charging processes are leading to longer ranges and shorter charging times, further improving the efficiency and flexibility of electric truck operations.
Advanced fleet management systems, such as those provided by IO-Dynamics, enable precise control and monitoring of electric truck fleets, maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing maintenance costs. These technological advances make the integration of electric trucks into transportation logistics even more attractive and economically viable.
Choosing the right vehicle is critical in transportation logistics, especially when transitioning to electric trucks. Several factors must be carefully considered to ensure that this step is both economically and sustainably successful in the long run:
Considering these factors will ensure a sustainable and efficient investment.
The growing acceptance and technological advancements of electric trucks signal a clear shift in transportation logistics. While diesel trucks still dominate today, the balance could shift in favor of electric trucks in the coming years, especially as charging infrastructure expands and costs drop. The significant 51.6 percent increase in new registrations in the EU in the first half of 2024 underscores the industry's growing commitment to sustainable transformation.
Companies deploying electric trucks now are positioning themselves as leaders in a changing industry, reaping not only environmental benefits but also long-term cost savings.
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