How does an electric truck work?

An electric cargo truck is an innovative transportation solution that is revolutionizing the freight industry. Unlike conventional trucks that run on fossil fuels, electric trucks use energy stored in batteries to propel themselves, making them a sustainable and non-polluting option.

Electric trucks operate very similarly to any other electric vehicle, although they have been adapted to meet different challenges: transporting heavy loads and long-distance travel.

How does an electric truck work?

Electric trucks are cargo vehicles that use electric motors instead of internal combustion engines powered by gasoline or diesel. Electric trucks are powered by rechargeable batteries that supply energy to the motors, allowing them to move without emitting harmful gases and without relying on fossil fuels.

The electricity that powers them is generated from renewable energy sources; in the case of Sunshine Delivers, the energy that powers our fleet is 100% solar energy.

Do you know what the basic components are?

Electric motor

Battery

Charging

Energy management system

Transmission and control

Electric motor. The main component that allows the truck to move. Unlike internal combustion engines, which burn fuel, the electric motor converts electrical energy into motion efficiently and silently.
Battery. The battery is the heart of the electric truck, storing the energy that powers the motor. These batteries are usually lithium-ion due to their high energy density and rechargeability (similar to those in electric cars), but with much larger capacity to provide the energy needed for long-distance travel.
Charging. To recharge the unit, it is connected to an electric charging station at a specific facility. Recharging can take several hours depending on the charging station’s capacity and the size of the battery.
Energy management system. Electric trucks are equipped with an intelligent system that regulates and optimizes the flow of energy between the battery and the motor. This system manages the efficient use of energy to maximize the truck’s range and performance.
Transmission and control. Electric trucks have a simplified transmission compared to combustion trucks. Speed and power control are managed electronically, providing a more immediate and precise response, which makes handling the vehicle easier. (1)

This type of vehicle not only contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, but also offers simpler maintenance and lower long-term operating costs.

The challenge of range.

One of the challenges faced by any electric vehicle is range, meaning the maximum distance it can travel on a full battery charge without the need to recharge.

What does the range of an electric vehicle depend on?

It will depend on several factors and can vary according to conditions such as the brand and model of the vehicle, the size and capacity of the battery, the ambient temperature, the driver’s behavior, and the condition of the roads. (2)

Technological Evolution

This type of transportation represents a technology in constant evolution. With advancements in battery capacity and charging infrastructure, electric trucks are expected to become increasingly viable and competitive in the freight transportation market. (3)

Fully electric trucks produce no direct greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the reduction of air pollution and environmental impact.

However, although their environmental effects depend on the type of energy used to generate the electricity (renewable or non-renewable), these vehicle models still produce fewer emissions throughout their lifetime compared to diesel trucks, according to a study by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT). (4)

In summary, an electric truck that converts the energy stored in its battery into motion through an electric motor makes it a cleaner, more efficient, and cost-effective option in the long term compared to trucks that run on fossil fuels.

Sustainable mobility is a key element of the energy transition:

developing green transportation is essential to achieving decarbonization and mitigating the consequences of climate change.

Sources and references.