Is a Diesel Fleet Truly Suitable for Transitioning to Electric Heavy-Duty Truck Operations?
Is a Diesel Fleet Truly Suitable for Transitioning to Electric Heavy-Duty Truck Operations?
The environmental and economic benefits of electric heavy-duty trucks (EHDTs) are increasingly evident, attracting logistics companies. However, transitioning from diesel to electric is not a simple substitution but requires careful evaluation. Below is a framework to determine whether a fleet is suitable for this shift, structured around "3 Transport Metrics + 1 Efficiency" and critical infrastructure considerations.
1. Core Concepts: "3 Transport Metrics" + "1 Operational Efficiency"
To assess compatibility with EHDTs, fleets must analyze the following parameters:
Transport Volume：The stability and scale of freight volume directly impact the return on investment (ROI) for EHDTs. Insufficient or fluctuating volumes may prolong payback periods and increase risks. For example, contracts must ensure consistent demand to justify the high upfront costs of EHDTs (e.g., 400,000 per truck vs.150,000 for diesel).
Transport Distance：EHDT range varies by model and load. For instance, current models like Volvo’s VNR Electric offer ~300 km range, while Tesla’s Semi claims up to 800 km. Routes must align with battery capacity and charging infrastructure availability. Long-haul operations face challenges due to limited charging networks and grid capacity.
Freight Rate：Market-driven freight rates determine profitability. Lower rates may erode EHDTs’ operational cost advantages (e.g., 0.14/kWh electricity vs. diesel costs).Fleets must balance up front costs (e.g.,400,000/truck) against long-term savings in fuel and maintenance.
Operational Efficiency: Daily mileage (e.g., 300 km/day) reflects vehicle utilization and affects charging needs. Higher efficiency reduces idle time and maximizes ROI.
2. Power Infrastructure Requirements
EHDT adoption hinges on robust electrical infrastructure:
Energy Consumption: Under standard conditions (60 km/h, flat terrain, full load), EHDTs consume ~1.6–1.8 kWh/km. Empty trucks use ~1.0–1.2 kWh/km. For a fleet of 20 trucks operating 300 km/day, daily energy demand is ~9,000 kWh.
Charging Infrastructure: To minimize costs, fleets should leverage off-peak (valley) electricity rates. A 1,250 kVA transformer can support ~3–4 charging piles (300 kW each) for 350 kWh batteries. However, real-world scenarios often require redundancy and grid upgrades.
Battery Management: Battery lifespan and degradation (e.g., reduced range in extreme temperatures) must be factored into operational planning.
3. Profitability Threshold: Minimum Daily Revenue
To breakeven, daily revenue per truck must exceed $260–285, covering:
Fixed Costs
- Monthly loan payments (2,140)+insurance(430) = $85/day.
- Driver wages: 60/day (single driver) or120/day (two drivers).
Variable Costs
- Energy: 63/day(450kWh at 0.14/kWh).
- Maintenance: Tires, repairs, etc.
Profitability depends on freight volume, rates, and operational efficiency. For example, a fleet with stable contracts and high daily mileage (>300 km) can offset upfront costs faster.
Key Challenges from Search Result
High Initial Costs: EHDTs cost ~2–3x more than diesel trucks.
Infrastructure Gaps: Lack of heavy-duty charging networks and grid limitations hinder adoption.
Policy Support: Government incentives (e.g., subsidies, tax breaks) are critical to offset costs.
Transitioning to EHDTs(Powertrain system) requires a holistic analysis of transport metrics, infrastructure readiness, and financial viability. Fleets with stable volumes, short-to-medium hauls, and access to subsidized charging infrastructure are better positioned for success. As battery costs decline and charging networks expand (e.g., megawatt charging systems by 2030), EHDTs will become increasingly viable for broader applications
AEAUTO Results Comparison (Retrofitted vs. Original Diesel)
Economy: Energy cost per km: ↓62% (0.45→0.17)Annual maintenance cost: ↓$15,000/truck
Sustainability: Annual CO₂ emissions: ↓180 t/truck (based on 100k km/year)
Reliability: Operational uptime: ↑98% (vs. 92%) Residual value rate: ↑15% (with 8-year/1M km warranty)
