 chains. Companies are looking for ways of making their fleets operate more economically with lower emissions profiles.
According to tests done by the National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) refuse vehicles average 43 percent savings in fuel consumption annually and improved engine efficiency compared to traditional variants.
A typical Class 8 hybrid refuse vehicle reduces carbon emissions by 48 tons a year with a 50 percent fuel savings. The technology to make emissions-free trucks has been around for years but the cost was thought to be prohibitive. Electric trucks are three times more expensive than the internal combustion engine truck.
However, according to a study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a fleet of electric trucks operating daily in a big city can actually be 9 – 13 percent less than a standard diesel fleet. The studies co-author, Jarrod Goentzel, said, “There has to be a good business case if there is going to be more adoption of electric vehicles. We think it’s already a viable economic model, and as battery costs continue to drop…”
There are also other reasons why combustion engines are of questionable economic value. One of these factors is the volatility of fossil fuel prices.
There are significant financial benefits to electric trucking. This is why the Nikola Motor Company, the makers of the Nikola One hydrogen electric semi truck have a business model that is focusing on commercial vehicles.
As explained in an Environmental leader article by Tom DeCoster, HDS business development manager for Parker Hybrid Drive Systems:
“The business case for alternative vehicles is compelling, and data continues to be collected across all of the sectors. There is no denying that what is good for business is also good for the environment and reduces our oil dependency significantly.”
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