The growth of e-commerce and home delivery has been a boon for fleet operators. But with this comes the exponentially higher maintenance and fuel costs associated with more internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
Electric trucks reduce your fleet’s greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants in neighborhoods and on route, while providing significant maintenance and operations savings. This means keeping your trucks on the road with less hassle and expense, while leaving a smaller carbon footprint every mile along the way.
Green. Clean. And a Whole Lot More
The benefits of electric trucks.
Serious Carbon and Pollutant Reduction
Adding trucks with zero-tailpipe emissions can instantly reduce a fleet’s overall carbon footprint and generate some goodwill along the way.
Less Maintenance = More Uptime
With fewer moving parts and fluid changes, the cost to maintain electric trucks is a fraction of its ICE counterpart. Scale the benefits over an entire fleet and the savings multiplier can be a major bottom-line boost.
Better Driver Experience = Higher Driver Retention
Better driver ergonomics and instant access torque gives EV trucks the power to deliver, that’s also a pleasure to drive. No engine, no exhaust, just a quiet and comfortable cab and cabin – the operational comforts that help enhance driver retention.
How We Can Help
Vehicles and Energy
A payload of paper towels in Nebraska has vastly different energy requirements than a truckload of beer delivered in the Rockies. The Workhorse team can help you analyze route and payload requirements to ensure you have the right vehicles and energy to get the job done just about anywhere.
Charging Infrastructure
Workhorse electric trucks can be charged using both Level 2 and Level 3 charging systems to deliver a range of charging options.
Affordable Level 2 chargers use the same voltage range as electric dryers and water heaters - between 208-240 V and deliver anywhere from 3 to 19 kW of AC power. For most single-shift operations, if vehicles are parked overnight, Level 2 charging is more than adequate to ensure a full charge for the next day’s routes.
Charging at public chargers along routes can be an option, but on-premise depot charging is usually required for reliable fleet operation. Engaging early with local utilities and permitting authorities is key – they can help align and optimize vehicle deployment schedules with energy requirements.
Financial Incentives
Lower maintenance and fuel costs help offset the upfront cost of electric trucks over time, but paying for an electric truck can be a hurdle for some operators. To help, state and federal agencies offer a broad array of financial incentives, including tax credits, grants, and utility incentive programs for vehicles and charging infrastructure. In states like California, Oregon, and Washington, there are additional Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) programs that fleets can leverage to generate even more revenue for every kilowatt-hour of electricity dispensed. Learn more about incentives
Regulatory Requirements
States are beginning to introduce zero-emission vehicle mandates to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect public health – regulations like California’s Advanced Clean Fleet Rule. Learn more about incentives in your area and how it can affect your bottom line.
Training and Education
Proper use of regenerative braking is vital to maximizing vehicle range. But after a little practice, drivers describe the new technique as quickly becoming second nature.
For all their benefits, electric trucks are fundamentally different than their ICE counterparts. But there is nothing in the transition to electric fleets that cannot be learned.
Workhorse dealer partners are certified via a multi-tiered training program covering operation, service, and maintenance. A comprehensive series of online exams are followed by a rigorous, 3-day, hands-on class at our newly-renovated 410,000 sq. ft. plant in Union City, IN.
FAQs
Charging times can vary depending on the vehicle and charging method. A Level 1 charger can take up to 20 hours to fully charge a Class 3 to 6 vehicle with a 375-kWh battery capacity, while a Level 2 charger can take around 4-8 hours. DC fast charging can provide an 80% charge in as little as 30 minutes.
The range of an electric vehicle can vary depending on the vehicle configuration. Workhorse offers EVs that can travel up to 150 miles on a single charge, depending on variables like route, terrain, freight weight, and weather conditions.
Electric vehicles typically have a higher upfront purchase cost than ICE vehicles, but they can offer significant long-term savings on fuel and maintenance costs. Plus, government incentives and tax credits can help offset the purchase cost of electric vehicles.
A useful start-to-finish guide is the Environmental Defense Fund’s Fleet Electrification Solutions Center. For local governments, the MRSC’s Tips on Fleet Electrification also supplies a good set of guidelines. For specific funding programs, a good place to get started is by connecting with your local utility to learn about available incentives.