26/12/2023

 

Tests began in the Russian capital back in the summer. In 10 days, trucks powered by electricity covered more than 2 thousand kilometers and delivered goods to approximately 200 recipients.

Now it's time for winter tests. The main thing is to study how subzero temperatures affect batteries and power reserve.

What are the advantages of electric trucks?

Car load capacity: 2.2 tons. This is the same machine as those that are used to transport goods in large cities of Russia. That is, the cars drive well, are comfortable and safe. The only difference is that instead of an internal combustion engine, there is an electric motor.

 

They offer charging the car at night. To do this, the company conducting the tests installed charging stations directly in its warehouse.

The main reason why logistics companies are switching to electric trucks: saving on fuel. According to experts, costs can be reduced by 70% or more.

 

What is the main problem?

The fact is that electric vehicles need to be charged for a long time. With a regular truck, drivers simply fill up the car and move on. In this case, this will not work.

That is, for such transport it is necessary to draw up routes in such a way as to correctly calculate the range. Ideally: delivery to offices and large warehouses. Roughly speaking, 150 km one way with cargo, unloading and 150 km back. You won’t be able to drive anywhere, or you’ll have to wait for the vehicle to recharge.

In such conditions, at this stage of development of electric transport, delivery, for example, between cities remains in question.

 

 

Ecological issue

The problem of battery recycling is acute in many countries. On average, the battery life is 3000 cycles. (If the car goes on flights every day, then this is approximately 8 years). What to do next with the battery is an interesting question.

In addition, there is the added problem of finding charging stations. Yes, in Moscow and St. Petersburg this is completely in order. Moreover, there are even free charges. But it turns out that, for example, in other cities it will be much more difficult to use cars with such engines.

 

Bottom line
The fact that logistics is switching (gradually) to electric transport is good. This is a trend, it helps to reduce fuel costs, and therefore transportation costs. The fact that such trucks pass tests is generally excellent. After all, the industry is developing.

Whether trucks with electric motors will become widely used in cargo delivery is not yet known. This is inconvenient to say the least.

But everything is changing quickly, technologies are improving, and we are confident that soon the use of electric vehicles in logistics will be widespread. And the problems that currently exist with such machines will disappear.