Over the years, the logistics industry has facilitated efficient and quick transport of goods and services, contributing immensely to the global economy. However, it is hard to deny that the industry is also responsible for the high levels of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. With the introduction of electric trucks, however, things are changing for the better.
Now, if a business wants to rent commercial trucks for logistics purposes, they can find greener options in the form of electric trucks. Most businesses these days are trying their best to reduce the environmental impact of their operations. The growing popularity of electric trucks is only helping them achieve a more sustainable supply chain.
Application of Electric Trucks in Logistics
There is a significant shift towards electric vehicles in the transport industry to achieve better efficiency in goods deliveries. The new generation of motors and a significant improvement in the battery department are expected to drive the use of electric vehicles in urban logistics.
It is also believed that electric trucks can help optimize the most polluting stage of logistics – last-mile delivery. Since these vehicles do not run on fossil fuels, they have the potential to reduce logistics costs. This can have a positive impact on the sale price of products.
Moreover, the growing e-commerce industry has given rise to the use of trucks for home delivery of goods as well as the occasional return of delivered goods. The inclusion of electric trucks in the logistics of e-commerce businesses would bring down the costs of these trips and allow businesses to find more sustainable logistics solutions.
The Advantages of Electric Trucks in Logistics
There are several reasons why logistics companies are switching to electric trucks. Some of those reasons are mentioned below:
- More energy efficient:
Electric trucks use 15-20% less energy while braking or idling, while petrol engines use somewhere around 64-75% energy to perform the same tasks. Needless to say, electric trucks are more efficient when compared to trucks that run on fossil fuels.
- More environment-friendly:
Unlike vehicles with internal combustion engines, electric trucks do not emit polluting gases through their exhaust systems. By using more number of electric trucks in logistics, businesses can lower CO2 emissions. This can help reduce the carbon footprint of the transport industry while improving the city’s air quality.
- Lower cost of fuel:
While the cost of fossil fuels (like petrol and diesel) continues to rise all over the world, shifting to electric vehicles is a great way to reduce transportation costs. In fact, even if the electricity prices take a hike, driving electric trucks will still be more affordable than driving a fossil-fuel-powered truck.
- Tax benefits:
Governments in many countries are encouraging their citizens to switch to electric vehicles to reduce their countries’ carbon footprint. Some of them have even promoted laws that benefit those who are switching to electric vehicles from petrol- or diesel-powered vehicles. These benefits often come in the form of tax credits.
- Low maintenance:
Electric vehicles, including electric trucks, require less maintenance work as they do not require oil changes, cleaning of engine filters, or refill of coolant. You only need to check the battery health and other areas like the tires and brakes. If those are okay, you do not need to worry about the health of your electric vehicle.
While these advantages are pushing the sales of electric trucks in the market, the high initial price of such vehicles may discourage a few people from going electric. Also, the lack of on-road charging points in some states is a major concern for the logistics companies willing to switch to electric trucks.
Conclusion
There is no denying that electric vehicles are the future of transportation. Apart from improving the efficiency of the logistics industry, they also reduce the costs of transportation. Not to forget, they are more environmentally friendly. If their initial costs can be reduced, more businesses will start using electric trucks for their supply chain operations.