‘It Still Boggles My Mind’- Electric 18-Wheelers are Here and Even More Ridiculous Than the Cars
In recent years, there has been much debate about electric vehicles, centered on whether or not they are the best solution for humans and the environment.
But while many people agree that electric vehicles (EVs) are the future of passenger vehicles, far fewer believe that the same technology can safely and efficiently be applied to semi trucks.
The Plans For Electric Vehicles
In recent years, significant developments have been made to see a major transition from gas-powered vehicles to those that run on electricity.
![A photograph of a small electric vehicle charging](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/03/adfd20f7-1024px-electric_car_recharging.jpg)
Source: Wikimedia
Some of the world’s largest motor vehicle manufacturers have pumped billions into the industry as nations like the US set goals to see half of all vehicles sold by 2030 be “zero-emissions vehicles,” per Al Jazeera.
Future Plans For Electric Semi Trucks in the US
With such extensive plans, it wasn’t long before larger vehicles such as those used in the transportation industry became a topic of conversation.
![Promotional photo of Tesla’s Semi, an all electric 18-wheeler](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/03/2d787a54-img25.jpg)
Source: @aTechES/YouTube
According to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, trucking is an integral part of the US economy, transporting over $10 billion of goods. However, it is also a source of pollution.
Diesel Semis vs Electric Semis
Other than the obvious, there is quite a difference between diesel semis and electric semis. Those making semis have previously preferred to use a diesel engine due to them having high energy efficiency and have a good acceleration rate at low RPMs. This is a good thing for transporting heavy items across long distances.
![An electric semi driving across a bridge carrying wood.](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/04/50fb9d0e-electric-truck-1.jpg)
Riley Crawford/Unsplash
On the other hand, there are electric semis. These offer a cleaner and more sustainable vehicle for truckers to use to transport goods long distances. They also offer reduced emissions and lower noise pollution, and they should lower operating costs over time.
Electric Semis Will Cost More Than Diesel Semis
Even though electric semis are set to cost less in the long run, they reportedly cost more than diesel semis regarding upfront costs.
![Red, white, and green electric semis lined up in a row.](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/04/5ccc8492-electric-truck-2.jpg)
rgaudet17/Pixabay
It roughly costs $150,000 upfront to buy a diesel semi, compared to the $180,000 it costs to buy Tesla’s electric semi. However, it costs an average of $1.38 per mile to operate a diesel semi, whereas it costs $1.26 per mile to operate an electric semi.
The Revenue From Electric Semis Will Be the Least in the US
Even though the US is set on introducing these new electric semis fully by 2030, the predictions are that the US will produce the least amount of revenue from them compared to the rest of the world.
![A close-up image of a white Tesla electric semi.](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/04/c653db0d-electric-truck-3.jpg)
@AcceleratingTec/X
China is expected to make $15 million and the whole of Europe is set to make $8 million, However, the US is set to only make $5 million, which will take the total revenue from electric semis to $31 million.
Semi-Trucks Produce a lot of Pollution
The EESI’s report suggests that large transportation vehicles emit several forms of pollution into the atmosphere.
![An image of a semi-truck driving along a road](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/03/91d837c6-i40truckcti.jpg)
Source: Wikimedia
This includes emitting up to seven percent of the total greenhouse gases by humans in 2020.
Heavy-Duty Trucks and Pollution
Part of the reason the government is keen on moving towards fully electric semis is down to the amount of pollution medium- and heavy-duty trucks emit per year.
![A semi truck driving at sunset with the lights on.](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/04/87fe51ff-semi.jpg)
Josiah Farrow/Unsplash
Although these vehicles only make up 4% of the vehicle population, they use 44 billion gallons of fuel and emit 421 million metric tons of carbon dioxide.
Semi-Truck Manufacturer Set 2030 Targets
With the world’s largest vehicle companies implementing greener goals, many truck manufacturers have pledged to do their part by 2030.
![A man is pictured working on a Semi-Truck in the factory](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/03/eb57e8c7-1327.jpg)
Source: Freepik
Semi-Truck manufacturers have committed to targets which will see at least 30% of their new trucks being zero-emission vehicles, including fully electric models.
Pros and Cons of Electric Semis
Like many things in life, there are pros and cons to buying and using an electric semi. The pros are that they will cost less to operate, are easier to maintain, and reduce tailpipe emissions to zero.
![A white Tesla electric semi on the road.](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/04/6ecf0b3c-electric-semi.jpg)
@lucagregoita/X
However, there are also some cons. These are that they cost more to purchase, they have a limited range, as more batteries are needed due to their long-haul range, and there are infrastructure constraints.
Tesla’s Fully Electric Semi
As with all things EV, Tesla is once again leading the pack. The famous company officially released its fully electric semi-truck to the public back in 2023.
![Tesla’s promotional photo for the Semi electric truck](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/03/50cee49a-img30.jpg)
Source: Tesla
Their futuristic semi-truck vehicle hit the market five years after it was first announced.
Tesla Semi Truck Runs For 500 Miles
According to Tesla’s website, the semi-truck can travel between 300 to 500 miles when fully charged.
![A black Tesla semi-truck is pictured parked in a lot](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/03/3c7c4775-tesla_semi_5_cropped.jpg)
Source: Wikimedia
It can recharge up to 70% in 30 minutes and uses significantly less energy than a diesel-powered semi-truck.
Companies Are Being Incentivized by Grants
The government wants to achieve net zero by 2030. To this end, it is attempting to incentivize companies with grants to get them to start using electric semis as opposed to diesel ones when transporting their goods.
![The front of a Tesla electric semi. It is white.](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/04/bb0e2c26-electric-semi-1.jpg)
@andre4fink/X
This applies to PepsiCo, the soft drinks brand that has created drinks such as Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, and 7 Up. The company received a $31 million grant from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to begin using Tesla electric semis.
One Tesla Semi Traveled 800 Miles
Tesla may claim that its electric semis can travel up to 500 miles; however, one PepsiCo Tesla truck was able to travel 800 miles in 24 hours.
![A white Tesla electric semi parked next to a red and orange truck.](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/04/967be4c7-electric-semi-2.jpg)
@StockMKTNew/X
This wasn’t in one charge, as the truck had to be charged at one of the Tesla 750-kilowatt Megacharger, which is one of the fastest electric vehicle chargers available.
California’s Electric Semi Goal
Many US states have set their own goals regarding the number of electric semis they want on their roads in the next few years. One of these is California, whose goals are clear.
![A green and white electric semi cab.](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/04/de5b4cd5-electric-semi-3.jpg)
@VibrantVictoria/X
They have set a goal of having the 1.8 million commercial trucks currently on its roads switched to fully electric vehicles over the next two decades.
Volvo VNR Electric Trucks
Telsa isn’t the only company currently manufacturing electric semis; Volvo has also begun making waves in the market with its VNR electric trucks.
![Two blue Volvo VNR electric semis.](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/04/ba8256cd-electric-semi-4.jpg)
maznejad/X
These have a battery capacity of 565 kWh and can travel up to 275 miles on a single charge. While this isn’t necessarily enough for some long-haul journeys, electric chargers are constantly being manufactured to decrease the time needed to charge the battery.
The Challenges of Electric Semis
Volvo and Freightliner also have their own electric Class 8 semis available for purchase, which have almost identical specs to Tesla’s.
![The Volvo VNR Electric driving on a road/Freightliner’s eCascadia electric semi on a forest road](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/03/1791dcaa-img37.jpg)
Source: Volvo/Freightliner
These vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, and they have numerous benefits for human health and the environment.
The Benefits of Electric Trucks
The EESI report mentions several benefits that would come with a transition to electric-powered trucks.
![A Tesla semi-truck is pictured delivering goods for Pepsi](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/03/4498b54a-tesla_semi_pepsi_2023-10-31-13-39-37_dscf2583_dllu.jpg)
Source: Wikimedia
Their report states, “Implementing zero-emission trucking could prevent 66,800 premature deaths, 1.75 million asthma attacks, and 8.5 million lost work days between 2020 and 2050—providing $735 billion in cumulative U.S. public health benefits.”
Lower Cost of Ownership
The report goes on to explain that electricity is much less expensive than diesel fuel, saving truck drivers and companies money during long hauls.
![A man is pictured standing in front of a semi-truck as it charges](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/03/4c36ba1a-2149170993.jpg)
Source: Freepik
The EESI cites a 2021 study from the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab that suggests owners may experience “net savings of $200,000 over the semi-truck’s 15-year lifetime” due to various factors.
Electric Semis Can Travel Longer Distances
Compared to a few years ago, electric semis can now travel longer distances. A study in 2021 by the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) found that electric semis could only travel up to 100 miles before needing to go back on charge.
![White Pepsi electric semis, with the Pepsi logo down the side of the cab.](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/04/452dda0a-electric-semi-5.jpg)
@TeslaNY/X
Fast-forward to 2023, and a similar study carried out by the NACFE found that the same vehicle’s traveling distance had more than doubled in the space of two years.
Experts Suggest Electric Trucks May be Troublesome
While the EESI and governments around the world appear to support a transition to fully electric trucks, not everyone agrees with the plan.
![A semi-truck mechanic is pictured inspecting a potential problem](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/03/a69f1e6e-2149426541.jpg)
Source: Freepik
These vehicles may sound great on paper, but many experts in the field argue that there are far too many issues surrounding the use of electric semi-trucks to make them practical or even safe.
Study Conducted by the American Transport Research Institute Finds Shocking Results
Jeffrey Short, Vice President of the American Transport Research Institute, recently addressed a study that he and the ATRI had completed regarding electric semi trucks with the Capital Press.
![Jeffrey Short, Vice President of the American Transport Research Institute](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/03/a91d1687-img43.jpg)
Source: ATRI
Short explained that after analyzing the research they collected, “it still boggles [his] mind” that anyone believes electric trucks should or even could completely replace the standard diesel-fueled Class 8s.
Short Says There Are “Three Very Large Challenges”
The VP of ATRI told the press that they found “three very large challenges” with the supposedly promising electric semi trucks on the market.
![Digital illustration of an electric semi truck driving on the road](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/03/ef630502-img49.jpg)
Source: iStock
These three major problems are the electricity needed to power the semis, the minerals needed to manufacture their jumbo-sized batteries, and the fact that electric semis weigh almost twice as much as regular trucks.
The Electricity Issue
First on Short’s list is a major problem centered on electricity.
![Power lines of an electrical grid during sunset](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/03/24004790-img53.jpg)
Source: Freepik
He reports in the ATRI study that power generation throughout the country would need to increase by 40% to support a nation of electric semi-trucks.
Are They Really Better For the Planet?
In order to produce the electricity required for the expansion of electric trucks, far more gas, coal, and various other forms of fossil fuels would have to be used.
![A person is pictured holding a small plant while standing in a dry desert](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/03/b790cb17-16324.jpg)
Source: Wikimedia
Therefore, the idea that electric semi trucks would be better for the planet is, in some ways, a myth.
Immense Infrastructure Changes Would Have to Be Implemented
Not to mention the fact that there are currently nowhere near enough EC charging ports for an extensive fleet of electric 18-wheelers.
![An electric vehicle charging at a public charging outlet](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/03/ef5a3485-img57.jpg)
Source: Freepik
In addition to adding charging outlets nationwide, thousands of miles of electrical lines and server farms would have to be built.
The Demand for Power Generation
With the increase in the amount of power that will be needed for these electric semis, this power will also need to be increased for other areas of life. This could mean that generators will struggle to be maintained.
![Four white wind turbines in a green field.](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/04/46a5cbed-wind-turbines.jpg)
Abby Anaday/Unsplash
The power will also need to be found for low-emissions heating, vehicle charging for passenger vehicles, population growth, economy growth, server farms, and AI.
The Ongoing Battery Debate
Another aspect of electric semis that concerns the ATRI is the sheer amount of lithium and other minerals required to make thousands of the jumbo-sized batteries they need.
![The inside of an electric vehicle during manufacturing](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/03/59c90acf-img61.jpg)
Source: Wikipedia
While people like Elon Musk are often quoted as suggesting that “lithium is abundant,” mass-producing enormous batteries is not as the Tesla founder says.
Vast Amount of Minerals Required to Build Batteries
The ATRI estimates that the USA will need 35 times the annual production of lithium to transition from diesel-powered 18-wheelers into an all-electric fleet.
![Two men in orange hard hats are pictured working in a mine](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/03/ee7fe039-two-young-guys-working-uniform-protective-helmets-carry-out-work-mine_74907-115.jpg)
Source: Freepik
The US must also increase its production of other mineable minerals such as graphite, antimony, cobalt, and copper.
The US Doesn’t Have Enough Mines
It’s not just the sheer amount of lithium and other minerals that the trucks will need that raises concerns, it’s also the fact that the US has very few mines on its home turf.
![A large lithium mine as seen from a distance](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/03/f37a501c-img65.jpg)
Source: Freepik
Currently, China controls the vast majority of the mines for these minerals, and they will clearly choose to power their own electric vehicles and tech devices before offering any to the USA.
The Weight Dilemma
The third issue the ATRI noted was that electric semi trucks are significantly heavier than their diesel counterparts. While a standard 18-wheeler weighs about 18,000 pounds, an eclectic semi is around 32,000 pounds.
![A large semi truck drives on a high bridge over a mountain](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/03/9e590bd6-img70.jpg)
Source: Freepik
And the ATRI believes that America’s existing infrastructure, including its roads, bridges, and guardrails would have to be redesigned and rebuilt to handle the excess weight. A project which the ATRI reports would cost the country trillions of dollars.
Let’s Talk Numbers
Speaking of costs, another aspect of transitioning from diesel-powered trucks to electric ones is that they cost a whole lot more.
![Woman shopping for groceries with a list](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/03/6dc31fbc-img76.jpg)
Source: Freepik
Not only in the initial price tag, as electric semis cost between $400,000 and $500,000 whereas standard trucks only cost about $150,000, but also because of the increased costs of electricity, charging stations, mining, and new roadways.
Investing in Electric Semis
Investments are currently being made into electric semis in preparation for heading towards net zero by 2030. Companies are advancing the technology needed to meet this goal to ensure that electric semis eventually become more appealing than diesel semis.
![A silver Tesla electric semi parked outside a building.](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/04/935353e8-electric-semi-6.jpg)
@pablo9948967714/X
Companies hope to get a substantial return on their investment in electric semis. While they are needed for sustainability, the industry is expected to cost billions of dollars in the current climate, which is putting many off going electric.
Worries Postulated by the ATRI
Therefore, the ATRI worries that the higher costs for transport will lead to higher inflation rates on consumer goods.
![A Walmart truck driving on a road near a Walmart sign](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/03/097f06c9-img20.jpg)
Source: Walmart/Wikimedia Commons
Unfortunately, this will most likely lead to the average American spending more on groceries, deliveries, and pretty much everything else that’s moved in a semi-truck.
Electric Semi Trucks Are Simply Unrealistic
The general consensus from the ATRI is that, at this point in time, electric semi trucks as replacements for the diesel-powered options are simply unrealistic.
![Two semi trucks driving down a highway](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/03/7a72e038-img80.jpg)
Source: Freepik
In their reports, they believe they outlined several key factors explaining why it’s almost impossible to begin a massive transition from gas-powered to electric trucks.
A Plan For the Future
Suppose nations like the US manage to efficiently increase electricity production, open their own mines, replace the roadways, and companies can find ways to reduce the cost and weight of electric semis. In that case, it may be possible to transition in the future.
![A row of green trucks parked in a parking lot during the daytime.](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/02/c124bcf7-img18.jpg)
Source: Brian Stalter/Unsplash
However, as of right now, it appears the nation simply lacks the infrastructure, and a full transition to electric trucks could negatively affect the American economy.