According to the American Trucking Association, there are approximately 15.5 million trucks in America. These are operated by 1.5 million trucking companies. In 2016, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that 28% of the total pollution was caused by vehicles. Light-duty vehicles caused 60% of the total pollution, while medium and heavy-duty trucks were responsible for 23% of the total pollution. 

According to Volvo, electric trucks will ensure the reduction of 3,010 tons of greenhouse gases per year. Electric trucks are not only quieter but also do not have a tailpipe. This means that there is no harmful emission. 

E-Force, a Swiss company had launched E-Force One AG in 2014, a practical everyday use electric truck. It contains 2 lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of 240 kWh. It can travel a range of 185 miles on a single charge. This e-truck uses solar energy as well to recharge itself. The solar panels attached on the roof of the truck along with recuperation, provides nearly 23% of the power required by the vehicle. The batteries take 6 hours to completely charge. The batteries can also be replaced in 10 minutes. Additionally, Elon Musk unveiled the Tesla Semis in 2017 and will start mass production in 2021 according to reports. This futuristic truck will be powered by four electric motors. We discussed all the details of the Tesla Semi in our best truck brand to buy for an owner operator article. Similar to E-force & Tesla, some companies that are experimenting with next-generation trucking include — Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, Daimler AG, Peterbilt, Nikola Motor, Volkswagen, Cummins, and many more. In this article we will discuss the 13 best electric semi truck models of 2020. 

VOLVO — Fully Electric Trucks 2020: Volvo FE and FL

Volvo FE and FL trucks are set to be released in North America in 2020. Volvo is planning to release 23 electric heavy-duty trucks in Fontana, Ontario, Placentia, and Chino. This release is part of its $44.8 million grant from the California Air Resources Board. These trucks will also ensure a quieter and cleaner urban environment.

Features to look out for in Volvo FE and Volvo FL:

These e-trucks will have a range of about 185 miles.Volvo FL will have a single powertrain with only one motor.Volvo FL will be available with and without a refrigerator.Volvo’s electric powertrain will give the truck a smooth gearing and fast response.Its batteries can be charged in 1 or 2 hours via fast charging stations or in through the industrial main supply.Total weight capacity of the truck is 27 tons.Braking energy is also utilized in these trucks. The batteries employ one or two motors to deploy the energy to drive the wheels.These trucks have been designed for various inter-city traffic like distribution and waste management.The Volvo FL has 248 hp and 313 lb-feet torque.These trucks will have a noise output of 69 decibel, while diesel trucks have 79 decibel. This will enable trucks to be used at night in urban residential areas without causing disturbance or traffic congestion.

DAIMLER eCASCADIA Electric Truck

IN 2018, Daimler unveiled the e-sibling of their flagship and most popular model of the Freightliner line of trucks. Called the eCascadia, it is a step towards providing their customers an emission-free solution. It is specifically designed for local and regional distribution of goods, especially for short-haul movements of inter-modal containers that go from pick-up docks to drop-in docks. Daimler wants to move toward the road of e-mobility. As per the company, these e-trucks are best-suited for customers whose business routes have a specific range radius. Additionally, its operating model should have time for battery recharges. These trucks have to be charged overnight. Daimler intends to go for mass production in 2021.

Features to look out for the eCASCADIA Electric Truck:

Its e-motors are located at the axle end and provides 730 peak horse power.Usable battery capacity of 550kWh. It has a range of 250 miles.80% of the battery can be charged in 90 minutes.With an 80% charge, the truck can go a range of 200 miles.HMI or Human Machine Interface, is one of the most unique features of this truck. This provides data of the vehicle’s performance in the driver's field of view.It has the capacity to complete 2-3 runs per day via a dedicated route.The eCascadias are extremely quiet. Daimler has committed to having an ideal charging infrastructure that will enable the electric truck ecosystem to flourish. Trucks will have the option of public charging and depot charging.The etrucks require superior technical and mechanical assistance. Daimler plans to build the largest dealership network for etrucks in Northern America.

DIAMLER eM2 Electric Truck

Daimler foresaw a battery-electric operated vehicle in their medium-duty market and launched eM2. The e-sibling of M2, their high performance medium-duty truck was launched at the same time as the eCascadia. The eM2 has a predictable driving environment. This enables it be used for businesses that operate on dedicated routes. In 2018, Daimler deployed the Freightliner Electric innovation fleet. It consists of 30 units of eCascadias and eM2s. These have been sent to customers who haul cargo for authentic tests for performance and usability.

Features to look out for in the eM2 Electric Truck:

It has 480 peak horse power.Its battery’s usable capacity is 320 kWh.It has a range of 230 miles.In about 60 minutes, the battery will be 80% charged.With an 80% charged battery, the truck has a 180 miles range.These trucks can recharge their batteries by taking advantage of stop and move city traffic. The recharge will be done via regenerative breaking technology.

MERCEDES BENZ URBAN e-TRUCK

This fully electric semi truck is by Mercedes-Benz. According to the company, the styling of the truck is innovative and practical. The company also claims that this is the first electric-only semi-truck. It is a heavy-duty truck designed specifically for city deliveries. 20 units were deployed for performance checking in 2017. Mass production is scheduled to start in 2020. 

Features to look out for in the Mercedes Urban e-Truck:

It has a range of up to 120 miles.The payload of this truck is 12.8 tons.The batteries are placed in a crash-proof location within the frame of the truck.It is powered with a 212 kWh battery pack which consists of 3 lithium-ion batteries.Each motor delivers 100 kW power.Its torque capacity is 8100 lb-feet.These e-trucks are able to charge themselves using a 100 kW combined charging system which is tied to a convertor, in 2-3 hours.These e-trucks will be available in three variants: Platform vehicle, Refrigerated body, and Dry-box body.

Mercedes-Benz eACTROS

The eActros were first manufactured in 2016. This made Mercedes-Benz the first electric heavy-duty truck manufacturer in the world. In 2018, ten models were deployed. These are currently being tested by potential customers. These trucks are best suited for distribution purposes in urban areas. The eActros are scheduled to be on the road by mid-2020. From 2021, it is scheduled to go for mass production. 

Features to look out for in the Mercedes-Bezn eACTROS:

Two variants of this vehicle are available. One variant will have a GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) of 18 tons and the other will have a GVW of 25 tons.Two electric motors with a total power output of 250 kW will power the truck. They will be located near the rear-axle wheel hubs.The motors can be cooled by liquids and have the capacity to operate with voltage of as low as 400 volts.The maximum torque limit is 970 Nm. However, the gearing ratio converts this into 22000 Nm. This results in a driving performance similar to a diesel truck. Its two batteries will have a capacity of 240 kWh.The range is up to 125 miles.The batteries can be charged in 3-11 hours at a rate of 20-80 kW.

MITSUBISHI FUSO VISION ONE - ELECTRIC SEMI TRUCK

A Daimler subsidiary, this electric truck has been designed and built by Mitsubishi Fuso. It was first unveiled in October 2017 in Tokyo and is supposed to reach market by 2021. It is an all-electric heavy-duty truck. E-Fuso is aiming to place itself as one of the frontrunners of electric trucks with the backing of Daimler’s battery and charging technology. It’s potential lies as an intra-city distribution truck.

Features to look out for in the Mitsubhishi Fuso Vision One:

GVW is 23 tons.It can carry a payload of nearly 11 tons, which is only 2 tons less than the diesel Fuso truck.Battery pack of 300 kWh.This truck can cover a range of 217 miles in a single charge.

MITSUBISHI FUSO eCANTER

The FUSO eCanter was launched globally in 2016. The first 50 trial units were delivered by the end of 2017. It is the first all-electric truck by the Daimler group of trucks. Among the companies who are using this e-truck are Rhenus and DHL in Germany, Wincanton and DPD logistics in the UK and Portugal. In USA, it is being used by the University of California, UPS, the New York Botanical Garden, and various non-profit organizations.

Features to look out for in the FUSO eCANTER:

It minimizes the noise and air pollution in cities.Six water-cooled high voltage lithium-ion batteries are in its electric drivetrain.Each of the batteries have 13.8 kWh power at 420 volts.The e-truck is claimed to be able to accelerate like a car with its 390 Nm of constant output of power and 175 hp.Its speed is approximately 50 miles/hr.It has a payload capacity of 4.5 tons, depending on its body.The GVW is 7.49 tons.The combined weight of the 6 batteries is 600 kg.The expected range of the vehicle is 60 miles.80% of the battery can be charged in 1 hour via an EU-compatible CCS Type-2 charger in direct current. In a Level 2 charger it can be charged in 8 hours.This e-truck is cost effective. Daimler expects that operating cost of this e-truck will be approximately $1,000 cheaper for every 6,000 miles driven as compared to its diesel sibling.

PETERBILT – Model 220EV Electric Semi Truck

Model 220EV was launched on 8th January, 2019 at CES in Las Vegas. It is an all-electric medium-duty truck. The previous electric truck launched by Peterbilt was Model 579EV. The previous electric truck launched by Peterbilt was Model 579EV. The Model 579EV, a Class 8 tractor, is ideal for regional hauls. Also launched was the Model 520EV, a garbage-truck.

The 220EV is an ideal choice for pickup and deliveries. Peterbilt General Manager, Jason Skoog, stated that the Model 220EV will be used and tested in real work environment by a major customer starting on the summer of 2019. According to Scott Newhouse, the chief engineer at Peterbilt, this electric truck was built in a joint venture with Meritor Inc., the component supplier and TransPower, a provider of electric-vehicle systems. He believes that Model 220EV will be able to perform at par or better than a diesel vehicle. The company is yet to announce any specific dates for its initiation of mass production.

Features to look out for in the Peterbilt 220EV :

The Model 220EV is powered by an electric motor mounted directly on the rear axle.Meritor has provided the Blue Horizon electric drive axle, which offers a steady power of 250 kilowatts.The batteries are mounted in the space cleared between the frame rails due to the e-axle configuration.This e-truck is equipped with 2 TransPower battery packs with a total storage capacity of 148 kWh.Its range is 100 miles.The vehicle will be able to recharge in an hour via a Direct Current fast charging system.

Kenworth Toyota – Fuel Cell Electric Truck (FCET)

On 22nd April, 2019 the Kenworth Toyota Fuel Cell Electric Truck (FCET) was unveiled at the Port of Los Angeles. The FCET is built in collaboration with the California Air Resources Board. These trucks are based on the Kenworth T680. The FCET is powered by Toyota hydrogen fuel cell electric powertrains. Ten of these trucks were built initially. These are being used by the Ports of Los Angeles. These trucks are a step towards meeting customer needs while reducing the impact on the environment The truck started operations in the last quarter of 2019.

Features to look out for in the Kenworth Toyota FCET

These trucks will have hydrogen fueling infrastructure.

With a full fill, these trucks will be able to cover a distance of 300 miles.

The hydrogen fuel will reduce more than 500 tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

NIKOLA TWO

On 8th February, 2019, Nikola Motors announced that the Nikola Two will be made available in two versions. A hybrid version, and a BEV or Battery Electric Vehicle version. Nikola Motors has partnered with Ryder for all service related aspects. 

Features to look out for in the Nikola Two:

The battery power of both will be available in 500 kWh, 750 kWh, and 1mWh.Nikola Two will be able to accelerate 2-3 times faster than a diesel operated truck.The Nikola Two will be able to stop 50-100 feet faster than the current standard.The cabin of the truck will have a total of 4 seats. Out of this, 2 seats and a full-sized table at the back will allow drivers to work or relax as per their convenience.The dash is a 21-inch 4K display and has voice control functionality. This dash can also have apps on it like truck navigation and even ELD apps. 

CUMMINS – AEOS Electric Truck

AEOS, an electric powered semi-truck designed by Cummins is a Class 7 heavy-duty truck cab. It was launched in 2017. This e-truck was named after one of the four horses that pull the chariot of Helios, the Greek sun god. It is the first electric truck from Cummins. Cummins has designed the batteries and the driveline system, while it has partnered with Roush Industries for design of the aerodynamic body. The production for AEOS started in 2019.

Features to look out for in the Cummins AEOS:

Battery pack of 140 kWh.The range of this e-truck will be nearly 100 miles.If powered with more battery packs, the vehicle’s range can be up to 300 miles.Its total weight is 18,000 lbs.It will be capable of hauling a 22 ton trailer.The lithium-ion battery can be charged in about 60 minutes.Its regenerative braking and low rolling resistance tires allow it to to maximize the range of the vehicle.If solar panels are fitted to the truck’s trailer, its range can be increased.For further maximizing the range, these trucks will also have the option of adding a range extender engine, like the Cummins B4.5 or the B6.7 motors.

VOLKSWAGEN – e-DELIVERY Electric Truck

VW e-Delivery was developed by Volkswagen Caminhões e Omnibus, the Brazilian division of Volkswagen in 2017. Ambev, a popular Brazilian brewery has placed an order for 1600 electric trucks in an attempt to make their fleet all-electric. It is scheduled to go to mass production in 2020.

Features to look out for in the Volkswagen e-DELIVERY:

The truck’s range is more than 125 miles.The battery bank is NMC or lithium-ion-nickel-manganese-cobalt cells.  This ensures high performance.The battery has a quick-charging mode. 30% charging can be done in 15 minutes. The battery can be completely charged in 3 hours.The power output of the truck is up to 260 kWh with a torque limit of 2,150 Nm.The innovative design of the truck makes it extremely futuristic. The three modules of the vehicle (front module with the cabin and other features, middle module with the batteries, and rear module with the powertrain) are independent of each other. This makes it possible for all the designs and components to be combined with other electric vehicles too.The three regenerative stages of the brake ensures that 30% power will be recuperated when hitting brakes. This power can be used to charge the batteries.The pneumatic suspension and smart payload reading system helps in synchronizing the load and the electricity consumption while in the eco-drive mode.

Special Mention: OTTO TRUCKS

The Otto trucks company was founded in January, 2016. Uber acquired Otto in August, 2016 for a sum of approximately $680 million. Otto achieved its first freight service in October, 2016. This was also the longest non-stop journey by an autonomous truck in with cargo containing 51,744 cans of Budweiser. The journey was of 132 miles, starting from Colorado Springs to Fort Collins in Colorado. There was no human assistance, lead vehicle, or tele-operation.

It was supposed to be technology that could be used by truck drivers while taking rest during long hauls. Trucks were not built by Otto, rather autonomous hardware kits were installed in them. A Few trucks used by Otto to make them Otto autonomous trucks are the Volvo 780 and Volvo VNL.

Trucks have come a long way since they were first produced. Electric and automatic trucks bear testimony to human intelligence and technological advancements. The Trucking industry virtually touches the life of every American. It is only natural that engineers and innovators will try to transform the industry as ‘humanely’ and ‘technically’ possible. To learn more on on innovation, check out this article on a list of 6 technologies that will impact the future of the trucking industry.

The above mentioned trucks prove that these electric trucks are surely set to change the future of trucking and the way trucking has been so far conceived.