Electric Truck Drivers Embrace Their Vehicles, Yet Employers Grapple with Expenses

The trucking industry appears ripe for electrification, offering a promising shift toward sustainability in the transportation sector. While electric trucks (EVs) hold great appeal for drivers, who revel in the quiet and smooth operation, employers face the challenge of covering the expenses associated with adopting an electric fleet and establishing charging infrastructure.

For the drivers immersed in this electrified world, the allure lies in the serenity and seamless functioning of their electric counterparts. Hours spent behind the wheel of these substantial machines become a tranquil ballet, a stark contrast to the robust nature of diesel trucks. Marty Boots, a 66-year-old driver for Schneider in South El Monte, Calif., aptly describes the transition: “Diesel was like a college wrestler, and the electric is like a ballet dancer.”

In a Washington Post interview, EV truck drivers shared their sentiments, and the consensus is clear – once experienced, there's no desire to return to the roaring engines of internal combustion. Boots, who not only drives an electric Freightliner eCascadia semi-truck but also trains fellow drivers on optimizing electric truck batteries, highlights the initial hesitation some drivers feel. However, once they take the plunge, the majority are hooked. Returning to diesel, according to Boots, becomes a perplexing experience: "Why is it making so much noise? Why is it so hard to steer?"

Khari Burton, an electric Volvo VNR driver in the Los Angeles area for IMC, echoes the positive sentiment, emphasizing the enjoyment of the smooth and quiet ride. However, despite the enthusiasm from drivers, shipping companies display reservations about expanding their electric truck fleets. An IMC executive cited reliability concerns, limiting electric trucks to routes shorter than 25 miles from port to warehouse. The shortage of qualified technicians adds another layer of apprehension, as a problem with an EV truck could potentially sideline it for three weeks, necessitating the deployment of a replacement.

multivitamins slow memory loss

silverado ev

chevy silverado ev

chevrolet silverado ev

ford ev truck

2024 chevrolet silverado ev

ev trucks for sale

best ev truck

how much does cost to charge an electric car

best ev trucks