Electric vehicles continue to evolve. Just over 10 years ago, the choice of electric vehicles (we are talking about full-fledged electricians, not hybrids) was limited to only a few options. However, over time, the range of such cars began to increase. In addition to small city cars, there is already a fairly large selection in the segment of electric crossovers, electric sedans. The next step is electric trucks.
The real opportunity to replace the internal combustion engine in trucks with an electric motor appeared after 2010 - it was then that progressive lithium-ion batteries appeared at that time. An even better option is currently being developed - hydrogen fuel cells, which are safer, have a greater range and power. Therefore, at present, almost all leading manufacturers of trucks have projects for the development of the production of electric trucks. Including we are talking about medium-tonnage and heavy machines.
Below is an overview of electric trucks in the world today.
Mercedes (eActros, eActros LongHaul)
EActros has been undergoing trials since 2016 and the company plans to launch this electric truck on sale this year. Curb weight - from 18 and 25 tons (the weight of the transported cargo is 6 and 12 tons, respectively). An electric battery with a capacity of 240 kW * h will allow the car to cover about 200 km without recharging (although this does not take into account the weight of the load). The battery itself is completely placed under the frame of the car and is enclosed in a strong frame that prevents damage to it.
The car has two electric motors, 125 kilowatts each, which are built into the drive axle. The battery can be charged through an AC / DC socket (CCS standard) with a voltage of up to 500 V, from mobile charging stations (up to 80 kW) and stationary chargers (up to 150 kilowatts). Charging time: in fast mode 3 hours, in standard mode 11 hours.
The eActros LongHaul is the second electric utility vehicle in the Mercedes family. Its serial production is scheduled for 2024. In the meantime, it is known that this truck tractor will be able to overcome about 500 km on a single charge.
Renault (D Z.E., Master Z.E., D Wide Z.E.)
Renault presented a whole range of electric trucks of different carrying capacities.
Model Master Z.E. is equipped with an electric motor of 57 kW and a battery with a capacity of 33 kW * h with a curb weight of 3.1 tons. The real cruising range is about 120 km.
Model D Z.E. has a curb weight of 16 tons, a power plant of 185 kW, and 2-6 batteries with a total capacity of 200-300 kW * h. The real cruising range is about 300 km. Fast charging time is 1-2 hours, in standard mode, it will take about 12 hours to recharge the battery.
Model D Wide Z.E. - a heavy truck with a curb weight of 26 tons, equipped with two electric motors with a total capacity of 370 kilowatts and a battery with a capacity of 200-300 kW * h. The real cruising range is about 200 km. Charge time - same as D Z.E.
In 2023, the production of the Renault electric main tractor is also planned.
Volvo (FL Electric, FE Electric)
The FL model is an electric truck weighing 6 tons, which has a battery with a capacity of 100-300 kW * h and a power plant of 185 kilowatts. The cruising range is approximately 300 km. You can charge the battery up to 100% in 10 hours at a standard station and 1-2 hours at a fast-charging station.
The second model - FE Electric - has a carrying capacity of 27 tons, two electric motors, which together can provide 370 kilowatts. In this case, the battery capacity can vary from 200 to 300 kWh. The range of movement without recharging is about 200 km. The charging time is the same as for the FL model.
It should be noted that Volvo is actively testing heavy electric trucks (carrying capacity up to 44 tons).
BYD (model 8R)
Back in 2017, one of the leaders of the Chinese electric vehicle industry presented its version - a BYD 8R commercial garbage truck. The truck is equipped with two 148 kW electric motors and a 178 kWh battery. The battery charge is enough to cover a distance of 120 km. The charging time is 1-5 hours (the possibility of partial charging is provided - for 40, 80, 100, 180 kW * h). The carrying capacity is 10 tons.
Tesla (Model Semi)
Tesla planned to start selling its new truck in 2019, but now they start of sales has been postponed to 2021.
You can get additional information about the peculiarities of using electric vehicles, familiarize yourself with the map of charging stations in Ukraine or choose a charging station for yourself on the pages of our website.