While the future is electrified, savvy fleets know there are other options. Have you heard the word “electric” constantly? Is it a viable alternative to fossil fuels for work truck fleets and as big of an option as we are being led to believe?
Truly Zero Emissions
The first concern is how green electric vehicles are. There are zero tailpipe emissions, but well-to-wheel emissions must also be considered. The source of the electricity powering the car has a significant impact; the U.S. Department of Energy notes that in Oregon, 46.43% is from hydropower, and in California, 49.4% is from natural gas. Options include natural gas, coal, nuclear, wind, hydro, solar, biomass, oil, and geothermal.
Handling the Increased Cost/ROI of EVs is a Challenge
When reviewing potential vehicle options, fleets must consider overall lifecycle costs; EVs have a higher price tag and may not qualify for government incentives. Range anxiety is a top concern, as most EVs cannot handle special days out on the road and may suffer range loss due to weight and cold weather.
Electric Charging Infrastructure is Still Needed
The first gas station opened between 1905-1907, the first drive-in opened in 1913, and it took until 1919 for gasoline to surpass kerosene sales. Curbside fueling stations closed due to fire safety ordinances, causing the growth of fueling stations as we know them today. The government didn’t establish the highway system until 1921, and 24-hour service stations grew popular in the late 1920s. In 1935, there were 200,000 gas stations in the US (30 years after the first station was built). Today, the American Petroleum Institute reports more than 145,000 fueling stations across the US, down from its 1930s peak.
Other Truck Fuel Options Still Exist
Are there other options to fuel your truck aside from gasoline, diesel, or electric? California announced a ban on the sale of gasoline vehicles by 2035 and urged residents not to charge their electric cars due to power needs. However, electricity is not the only alternative-fuel option available to fleets today—many of which are already powering trucks on the road. What is the future of your work truck fleet? Is it electric or something else entirely?
https://www.truckinginfo.com/10181555/the-future-of-propulsion-is-far-from-certain
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