Is it worth using an electric truck for deliveries? Discover economic models
Use of electric truck for deliveries has become common among logistics companies, but is this a good alternative?
The transition to electric vehicles is transforming the logistics sector. For companies looking for more sustainable solutions, the electric delivery truck appears as a viable alternative.
But is it really worth it? In this article, we analyze advantages, challenges and available economic models.
Advantages of the electric truck for deliveries
Using an electric truck for deliveries brings several benefits:
Environmental sustainability:
Electric trucks do not emit polluting gases, reducing the carbon footprint. According to Iberdrola, every 100 km traveled saves 75 to 100 kg of CO₂ compared to a diesel model.
Additionally, some cities offer tax incentives for electric fleets, expanding the economy and accelerating the adoption of these vehicles.
Operational savings:
Electricity costs less than fossil fuels, reducing the cost per km driven. Maintenance is also simpler, as electric motors have fewer components.
Studies by the International Energy Agency indicate that savings can reach 50% compared to diesel-powered trucks.
Less noise pollution:
The silent operation of the electric motors reduces the noise impact in urban centers, favoring night-time deliveries.
This improves the quality of life in cities and can allow flexible scheduling for logistical operations.
Impact of electrification on urban logistics
The growth of online shopping has driven the need for more efficient logistics.
Electric vehicles represent a viable solution to reduce costs and meet new environmental requirements.
According to a Bloomberg NEF report, by 2040, 60% of commercial vehicles could be electric, significantly impacting urban operations.
Companies like Amazon and DHL are already investing heavily in this technology. In Brazil, several logistics startups are betting on electric trucks for last-mile deliveries, ensuring efficiency and sustainability.
Furthermore, electrified fleets can access areas of environmental restriction without penalties, increasing companies’ competitiveness.
The electrification of urban fleets can also impact mobility in cities, reducing congestion and optimizing delivery routes.
Therefore, some companies are already testing routing systems based on artificial intelligence to maximize the autonomy of electric trucks, ensuring greater efficiency in deliveries.
Limitations and challenges
Despite the advantages, challenges need to be considered before adoption:
Reduced autonomy:
Most models have a range of around 500 km, requiring planning for recharges.
So, for long routes, it may be necessary to combine electric vehicles with hybrid or combustion options.
Charging infrastructure:
The lack of fast charging stations can impact logistical efficiency. Some companies already install their own charging points in distribution centers to minimize this problem.
High initial cost:
Electric trucks have a higher price than conventional ones, although the operational savings can pay off over time.
However, government subsidy programs, such as tax incentives and special financing, help make purchasing more affordable.
Economical electric truck models for deliveries
Several manufacturers have launched efficient and economical models to optimize cargo transportation. See some available on the Brazilian market:
| Manufacturer | Model | Load Capacity | Autonomy | Cooldown | Approximate Price |
| Volkswagen Trucks | e-Delivery 11 | 11 tons | 200 km | 3 to 4 hours | R$ 130.000 |
| Volkswagen Trucks | e-Delivery 14 | 14 tons | 200 km | 3 to 4 hours | $ 142.000 |
| JAC Motors | iEV1200T | 7.5 tons | 200 km | 2 hours | $ 120.000 |
| WORLD | T7 | 10 tons | 250 km | 3 hours | $ 140.000 |
In addition to these models, other automakers are developing electric trucks with greater autonomy and better cost-benefit.
Therefore, the tendency is for prices to decrease with the expansion of production and technological advances.
Also read: Electric Trucks in Emergency and Disaster Recovery – iaskeding.
Emerging Technologies for Electric Trucks
As technology advances, new innovations are being applied to electric trucks to improve their efficiency.
One of these innovations is the use of solid-state batteries, which promise greater energy density and reduced recharge times.
Therefore, companies like Toyota and Samsung are already investing in this type of battery, which could revolutionize the logistics sector.
Another trend is the development of more efficient energy regeneration systems.
Regenerative braking technologies allow part of the energy dissipated during stops to be reused, increasing the vehicle’s autonomy.
This is already a reality in trucks like the Tesla Semi, which uses this technology to optimize its performance.
Finally, wireless charging solutions are also being tested to make electrical supply more practical.
In this way, inductive charging systems, similar to those used in smartphones, can be installed on highways and logistics centers, allowing recharging while the vehicle is in transit or stopped for loading and unloading.
Adapting companies to electrification
Companies that want to adopt electric trucks need to implement strategies to facilitate the transition.
One of them is the installation of its own charging infrastructure, ensuring that vehicles always have energy available.
Large companies, such as FedEx and UPS, already have their own stations to optimize the logistics of their electric fleets.
Another necessary adaptation is the training of drivers and technical teams. Driving electric trucks requires adjustments to driving habits, such as maximizing the use of regenerative braking.
Additionally, preventive maintenance needs to be adjusted to handle high-voltage electrical systems.
Finally, companies can invest in strategic partnerships to optimize their electric fleet. Infrastructure sharing programs and renewable energy supply contracts help reduce costs and increase investment viability.
This means the transition to electric trucks can be faster and more efficient.
Economic impact of the electric truck
The electrification of fleets can have significant impacts on companies and consumers.
This is because companies that adopt electric trucks can achieve savings in the long term, reducing operating expenses and improving delivery efficiency.
Furthermore, growing environmental regulations could penalize polluting fleets, making the transition to electric vehicles a survival strategy in the logistics sector.
In the global market, countries such as Germany and the United States already offer subsidies for the purchase of electric trucks.
In Brazil, programs such as Rota 2030 encourage the national production of sustainable vehicles, encouraging automakers to invest in new technologies.
Final considerations
The adoption of electric trucks for deliveries is a growing trend, bringing environmental and economic advantages.
As expert Alexandre Camargo stated: “In seven years it is possible to obtain a return on investment.”
Therefore, evaluating operational needs and available models is essential to determine whether this technology is the best option for your company.
The future of logistics depends on sustainability and innovation. As more companies embrace electrification, costs are expected to decrease and the technology will become even more accessible.
Therefore, the time to consider this transition is now, ensuring benefits for both the environment and the operational efficiency of companies.
This might interest you: How Electric Trucks Are Revolutionizing the Freight and Logistics – iaskeding.
