Battery Electric Trucks for Decarbonizing Truck Operations

A recent study commissioned by Transport & Environment UK reveals that battery electric trucks with static charging infrastructure are a viable and cost-effective solution for decarbonizing truck operations in Great Britain. The study, conducted by Element Energy, provides actionable recommendations for policymakers and fleet managers to accelerate the transition to electric trucks.

Published

May 2023

Industry

Electric Vehicles

The study evaluated various operational profiles and found that, even before the government’s phase-out dates for diesel trucks, a significant percentage of Britain’s rigid and articulated heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) could operate sustainably with battery electric trucks without relying heavily on future public charging infrastructure. This represents a major step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions from HGVs.

Long-distance, heavy-duty 40-44 ton articulated HGVs could perform their operations using battery electric vehicles and appropriate static charging infrastructure as early as 2024. By 2030, battery electric HGVs are projected to become cost-competitive with diesel equivalents for many long-distance, heavy-duty use cases.

While battery electric trucks are not the sole solution for long-distance, heavy-duty trucking, they are deemed a highly effective and rapidly scalable option for decarbonizing such operations. The findings also emphasize the need for a public charging network to support HGVs that require charging outside their home depots.

By embracing battery electric trucks and implementing the recommended charging infrastructure, Great Britain can make significant progress in achieving decarbonization, net-zero emissions, and improved air quality. The study’s recommendations provide valuable guidance for policymakers and fleet managers, enabling them to drive the transition while reaping the economic and environmental benefits.