Are you ready for electric trucks? Drivers share their view on a hotly debated topic

DRIVERS

We asked truckers what they think of electric trucks and the future of driving.

Electric commercial vehicles are set to become a more common sight on the roads – are you ready? With the introduction of the eCanter and eActros on the horizon we wanted to find out how drivers feel about the adoption of electric trucks. Last year we featured a poll on social media asking for your thoughts, and we’ve recently conducted the same poll again – the results may surprise you.


An animated discussion in 2018.

We conducted the Facebook poll in June 2018 and the results were clear – 465 votes, with 60% not interested in driving an electric truck and 40% excited by the prospect of this new technology. The poll generated an animated and thought provoking response, as drivers and non-drivers alike were keen to offer their opinions on the future of trucking. This article shares some of the main thoughts raised and we encourage you to add your own views in the comments section below.



Flat batteries as well as flat tyres?

One of the main concerns raised was battery life. Along with the usual worry of being stranded with a flat tyre, drivers are now concerned an electric truck may mean flat batteries, as the Facebook commentators pointed out: “You’ll end up stuck somewhere with flat batteries”. The risk of not finding a local charging station was also highlighted as a worry.

However, some drivers felt once charging points are widely adopted, there shouldn’t be any major problems: “With charge points at deliveries and services I don’t see this being an issue. Just means breaks are planned for service station stops or delivery areas with charge points.”

But then there’s the demand for parking with charging and the potential for long queues: “Good luck finding parking in services, it’s a struggle now without a load of trucks waiting for a battery charge.”

Ultimately, in order to ensure the success of electric vehicles, a comprehensive charging infrastructure is needed, with adequate charge points throughout the country; so drivers can always equip themselves for the journey ahead and won’t be caught short.


Will it slow me down?

Drivers were also worried that an electric vehicle may slow them down, making getting the job done even harder and more stressful: “I feel like electric will just slow [my truck] down even more.” Yet, they needn’t worry as electric vehicles actually produce more torque than standard fuel-powered trucks, so there’s plenty of power to get you going.


Is it really better for the environment?

A question on most drivers’ minds. Unlike conventional vehicles, electric trucks have zero tailpipe emissions, making them safer and cleaner for those around which is ultimately better for the environment. Electric vehicles instead rely on rechargeable batteries for this power which is a healthier alternative to petrol and diesel.

Some drivers in our poll questioned what would happen to the batteries once they expired: “The worrying thing is we will have a life expired battery mountain. Something else for the sea.” Others were positive that in future, a solution would be found: “A way to recycle the fluid in the batteries is a key focus, but with time it will all happen.” Daimler recycles used lithium-ion batteries from its plug in vehicles and uses them for home storage units.

Nuclear power, solar polar, wind farms and thermoelectric were all discussed in the poll as ways to generate the electricity required to power electric vehicles, and were seen to be cleaner alternatives to traditional power stations: “It’s all about making the process clean and efficient.”


Reducing noise pollution.

Air pollution isn’t the only thing to consider. Electric vehicles are also a lot quieter than conventional transport, which is great news for urban communities.

However this may pose risks, as one individual pointed out: “Great as long as they put a noise box in it so pedestrians can hear me coming!” This is an important factor as although quieter trucks would make the roads more peaceful, there is the danger that pedestrians and cyclists may not hear them approach, which could lead to an increase in accidents.

For this reason, as of July 2019 it will be mandatory for all new electric and hybrid vehicles to emit a noise, especially at low speeds, in order for people to hear them coming.


A change of perception in 2019.

We’ve conducted the same poll again on Facebook and the results so far are: 42% in favour of electric trucks and 58% not interested in them. As you can see it differs slightly from last year’s poll with more drivers considering the adoption of electric vehicles in the future.

However, the majority of the trucking community are still fans of petrol and diesel-powered trucks for now. There’s still time to cast your vote and have your say vote here


Are we ready?

Electric vehicles are already here and on the roads, but are the masses ready to trade in their current petrol and diesel trucks?

There was a wide range of views submitted in the polls, from drivers in favour: “An electric truck would be way better than any diesel powered one once all the problems have been solved” to those resolutely against them: “Absolutely ridiculous, no way”. There are also truckers who don’t mind as it’s not their priority: “Don’t care, it’s all about the money at the end of the week, so the bills get paid and food on the table.”


Tell us your opinion.

If you haven’t already entered our 2019 poll there’s still time click here and vote now. Or share your thoughts on electric vehicles in the comment section below – we’d love to know your opinion.

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