Although we are in a nascent stage, the prevailing evidence is that Europe is obsessed with electric cars. While regular trucks are still a common sight on the roads, there is a decline in this. What is striking is that European automakers are quickly adapting to this trend and coming out with electric trucks.
In the near future, electric trucks and vans are likely to become popular as they will provide numerous benefits. First, businesses and fleet managers can reduce their operating costs. Another benefit is that these reduce overall carbon dioxide emissions and the resulting harmful effects on the environment.
Electric trucks are the third chapter of electric vehicles where the concept follows the electric card and electric buses. Speaking of truck electrification, there are clear signs of development in the industry as EU lawmakers have reached an agreement on CO2 emissions standards for trucks and set a zero-emission truck sales target. Truck makers have acknowledged that truck electrification may become mainstream sooner than expected.
Last month, Tesla launched its Tesla Semi electric truck in Europe and started taking bookings for the same, but in select countries like the UK, Norway and the Netherlands. While all eyes are on the upcoming Tesla Semi, a handful of electric startups in Europe are working at full speed to bring their electric truck offerings to European roads. Major car brands like Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Volvo, etc. are also offering their fully electric trucks to customers. Here we list other electric trucks available in Europe now.
Volta Trucks (Stockholm)
Founders: Karl Magnus Norden
Year of establishment: 2019
Volta Trucks are designed with a driver-centric approach. The massive diesel engine under the driver’s seat has been replaced by battery packs. The cab of the truck is uniquely designed, lowering similar to a bus, so there is no need to jump or climb. There are sensors and cameras all over the truck to avoid blind spots. Low cab and low vibration provide a better driving experience. Furthermore, the future-proof Volta truck is CO2-free because it is 100% electric.
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Einred (Stockholm)
Founders: Philip Lilja, Linnea Cornehead, Robert Falk
Funding year: 2016
Einride has developed fully electric and autonomous logging trucks. One of its offerings is the Einride Pod, which is fully electric, autonomous and equipped with specialized modular trailers for pallets, lumber, perishable goods and more. The company’s self-driving electric cargo trucks that drivers can control remotely. In 2018, Einride joined forces with logistics company DB Schenker for the commercial installation of a fully electric and autonomous truck at the latter’s facility in Sweden.
Tiffa (UK)
Founders: Asher Bennett
Year of establishment: 2012
Tevva designs and develops wide range electric utility trucks ranging from 7.5 tons to 32 tons. Tevva’s award-winning technology combines battery management systems with the latest electric motor technology and a patented, remotely operated smart range extender. Tevva recently unveiled ELECTRIFY, its new commercial electric vehicle technology fleet program. Tevva has launched its first hybrid electric truck featuring 74 kWh batteries on both sides of the body and a 120 kW electric motor. It is described as the world’s first environmentally friendly truck.
Street Scooter (Germany)
Founders: Achim Kampker, Gunther Schuh
Year of establishment: 2010
StreetScooter is a German electric vehicle manufacturer that was acquired by Deutsche Post in 2014. The company offers a light, zero-emission vehicle that is systematically designed to meet the needs of users. Electric mobility options are practical, powerful and economical. StreetScooter has built electric trucks like the Work and Work L. The Work is powered by lithium-ion battery packs and uses a 30-kilowatt permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. It can have a range of 50 to 80 km depending on traffic conditions and payload and a top speed of 85 km/h.
E-trucks in Europe (Netherlands)
Year of establishment: 2017
E-Trucks Europe is constantly looking for innovative options for sustainable transport. It produces hydrogen hybrid cars with an electric motor, which means they are quiet and do not generate any emissions. The integrated hydrogen system converts hydrogen into electricity and the vehicles can be used 24 hours a day and remain clean.
Main image credits: E-Trucks Europe
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