Although we are still in its infancy, the signs are that Europe is obsessed with electric vehicles. While regular trucks are still a common sight on the roads, their numbers are starting to decline. What is striking is that European carmakers are quickly adapting to this trend and creating electric trucks.
In the near future, electric trucks and vehicles are likely to become more common because they will provide several benefits. First, companies and fleet managers can reduce operating costs. Another benefit is that these electric trucks and vehicles reduce overall CO2 emissions and the harmful effects they cause on the environment.
Electric trucks are the third chapter of electric vehicles, following the concept of electric power and electric buses. When it comes to truck electrification, there are clear signs of progress in the industry as EU lawmakers have reached an agreement on CO2 emissions standards for trucks and set a target for zero-emission truck sales. Truck manufacturers have acknowledged that truck electrification could become mainstream sooner than expected.
Last month, Tesla launched its Tesla Semi electric truck in Europe and has started taking reservations for the same truck, albeit in select countries like the UK, Norway, and the Netherlands. While all eyes are on the long-awaited Tesla Semi, a handful of European EV startups are racing to bring their electric truck offerings to European roads. Major car brands like Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Volvo, and others are also working to bring their all-electric trucks to customers. Here are the other electric trucks available in Europe right now.
Volta Trucks (Stockholm)
Founders: Carl Magnus Norden
Year of establishment: 2019
Volta trucks are designed with the driver in mind. The massive diesel engine under the driver’s seat has been replaced with battery packs. The truck’s cabin is uniquely designed, lowered like a bus, so there’s no need to jump or climb. Sensors and cameras are located throughout the truck to avoid blind spots. The low-slung cabin and low vibration provide a better driving experience. Furthermore, the Volta truck of the future is CO2-free as it is 100% electric.
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Inred (Stockholm)
Founders: Philip Lillia, Linnea Cornhead, Robert Falk
Funding year: 2016
Einride has developed fully autonomous electric logging trucks. Among its products is the Einride Pod, an autonomous electric truck equipped with specialized modular trailers for transporting pallets, timber, perishable goods, and more. The company’s autonomous electric cargo trucks can be controlled remotely by drivers. In 2018, Einride joined forces with logistics company DB Schenker to commercially install a fully autonomous electric truck at the latter’s facility in Sweden.
Teva (UK)
Founders: Asher Bennett
Year of establishment: 2012
Tevva designs and develops extended-range electric trucks for the mass market ranging from 7.5 tons to 32 tons. Tevva’s award-winning technology integrates battery management systems, the latest electric motor technology, and a patented, remote-operated smart range extender. Recently, Tevva unveiled ELECTRIFY, its new commercial electric vehicle fleet technology program. Tevva has launched the world’s first hybrid electric truck featuring 74 kWh batteries on both sides of the body and a 120 kW electric motor. It is said to be the world’s first environmentally friendly truck.
Streetscooter (Germany)
Founders: Achim Kampker, Gunther Schuh
Year of establishment: 2010
StreetScooter is a German electric vehicle manufacturer acquired by Deutsche Post in 2014. The company offers lightweight, zero-emission vehicles that are systematically designed to meet the needs of users. Its electric mobility options are practical, powerful and economical. StreetScooter has built electric vans such as the Work and Work L. The Work is powered by lithium-ion battery packs and uses a 30 kW permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. It can provide a range of 50 km to 80 km depending on traffic conditions and load with a maximum speed of 85 km/h.
Electric trucks in Europe (Netherlands)
Year of establishment: 2017
E-Trucks Europe is constantly looking for innovative options for sustainable transport. It produces hydrogen-powered hybrid vehicles with an electric drive system, which means they are quiet and produce no emissions. The integrated hydrogen system converts hydrogen into electricity and the vehicles can be used 24 hours a day and remain clean.
Main image Image source: E-Trucks Europe
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