Photo: Aaron Marsh / Fleet Owner
On display at the 2018 Work Truck Show, Isuzu's all-electric NPR-HD cab-over truck will be tested and evaluated under a range of conditions.
On display at the 2018 Work Truck Show, Isuzu's all-electric NPR-HD cab-over truck will be tested and evaluated under a range of conditions.
On display at the 2018 Work Truck Show, Isuzu's all-electric NPR-HD cab-over truck will be tested and evaluated under a range of conditions.
On display at the 2018 Work Truck Show, Isuzu's all-electric NPR-HD cab-over truck will be tested and evaluated under a range of conditions.
On display at the 2018 Work Truck Show, Isuzu's all-electric NPR-HD cab-over truck will be tested and evaluated under a range of conditions.

Key arguments for and against CBEVs

May 23, 2018
When it comes to the viability of commercial battery electric vehicles there are lots of strong opinions on both sides of the issue.

When it comes to the viability of commercial battery electric vehicles there are lots of strong opinions on both sides of the issue.

Our recent Guidance Report on Electric Trucks — Where The Make Sense, laid out 10 arguments both for and against CBEVs. Here is a synopsis of the 10 arguments:

  1. Vehicle tare weight is too high to support my freight needs vs. BEV weight is not an issue
  2. Technology is not ready vs. BEV technology is proven and here now
  3. Charging infrastructure is not ready vs. trust the market to provide BEV charging solutions
  4. Charging Infrastructure is not fast enough vs. trust the market to provide BEV charging solutions
  5. The electric grid cannot support growth in electric vehicles vs. the grid and market will evolve with BEVs
  6. Maintenance will be more costly vs. maintenance may be less costly
  7. Vehicle purchase price is too high for a positive ROI vs. BEVs will be competitively priced
  8. Vehicle operating costs are too great for positive ROI vs. BEVs will be less expensive to operate
  9. Vehicle residual value is questionable vs. BEVs will command a premium at resale
  10. Vehicle life is too short vs. BEVs will last beyond 10 years

If you have not already read the report, I encourage you to do so as it provides more details on each of the arguments, as well as other information on battery electric vehicles in commercial applications.

One important thing to remember is that there is no one right way for every fleet when it comes to determining a CBEV strategy.  However, it is important to note that today fleets are already using a mix of diverse technologies in their operations. The future will be no different. The only thing is there will be even more options available — CBEVs being just one of them.

A solution that may work for one fleet could be a disaster for another fleet. Trucking is a complex collection of duty cycles and operating practices. Wanting a simple all inclusive yes or no answer on CBEVs is not possible and it is a disservice to the fleets that constantly look for improvements and know that their own operations differ from their competitors’ operations.

When considering whether CBEVs are right for you, use the same strategy you use for evaluating any new technology and know that even after CBEVs are widely available you still will have diesel powered trucks in your fleet, probably for years to come.

About the Author

Michael Roeth | Executive Director

Michael Roeth has worked in the commercial vehicle industry for nearly 30 years, most recently as executive director of the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE). He serves on the second National Academy of Sciences Committee on Technologies and Approaches for Reducing the Fuel Consumption of Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicles and has held various positions in engineering, quality, sales, and plant management with Navistar and Behr/Cummins.

Sponsored Recommendations

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

How Electric Vehicles Help You Prolong the Life of Your Fleet

Before adopting electric vehicles for commercial/government fleets, prioritize cost inquiries. Maintenance is essential; understand the upkeep of EV fleets. Here’s what you need...

How to Choose the Right Route Planning Solution

This free buyer's guide will help equip you with the knowledge and insights needed to analyze route planning software and vendors in the market and, ultimately, make an informed...

How to Put Your Trucking Data to Work

How fleets can overcome data overload to optimize operations and get ahead.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!