Research suggests an imminent victory for electric-powered trucks.
A research report indicates a substantial change in the transportation sector. Over the next 15 years, electric trucks could virtually replace diesel ones in the majority of situations. However, an essential requirement must be fulfilled.
German roads could see electric trucks become the norm in a short time frame, as per a study by auditing firm PwC. This study, conducted for the IAA Transportation exhibition in Hannover, suggests that over 20% of trucks and buses worldwide will be battery-electric by 2030. This figure could rise to 90% by 2040. The experts rank global sales of electric trucks at 600,000 in 2030, growing to 2.7 million per year by 2040.
Joern Neuhausen, head of electromobility at Strategy& Germany, shares that the transport sector is witnessing a pronounced shift towards electric trucks. Emerging platforms for electric commercial vehicles are opening up avenues for wider usage in various applications. According to Neuhausen, the electric truck "tipping point" will be reached by 2030, after which the sector's change will quicken significantly. The primary motivation will be regulations aiming to decrease CO2 emissions from trucks, which will become considerably stricter in all major areas from 2030.
Enhanced range and faster charging
The study suggests that the distance electric trucks can cover will increase by 50% by the end of the decade, from 600 kilometers to 900 kilometers. Charging time will triple, even as the price of electric powertrains decreases by 10%. This could make electric trucks and buses financially viable for long-distance and scheduled transport, and even more affordable than diesel vehicles in overall costs.
However, the expansion of charging infrastructure is essential to make this possible. Substantial investments will be needed in the coming years, with both public authorities and the logistics industry contributing by creating more charging points in their depots. In Europe, the requirement for public investment by 2035 is estimated at 6.1 billion euros for 720 charging parks and a comprehensive charging infrastructure. Additionally, companies will have to invest around 28.6 billion euros for about 28,500 private charging points.
The IAA Transportation exhibition, to be held from Monday (with a press day), will witness manufacturers such as Daimler Truck, Scania, and Volvo Trucks showcasing their latest electric and hydrogen-powered trucks. In all, 1,650 exhibitors from 41 countries have registered. Apart from these, Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD will present an electric double-decker bus, and Tesla will display its electric semi-truck.
Electric cars also show promise in the transportation sector, with experts predicting a significant shift towards electric vehicles in the coming years. By 2030, electric cars could potentially see a surge in popularity, as improvements in range and faster charging times make them more financially viable for long-distance and scheduled transport, even outpacing diesel vehicles in overall costs.
