The variety of consumer electric vehicles (EV) has grown substantially the past few years. But, until recently, businesses looking to add medium- and heavy-duty electric trucks have had few options. That's starting to change.  

The following manufacturers have announced entries in this market segment: 

• Cummins PowerDrive Electric Vehicle (EV) has an all-electric system that fits a conventional OEM chassis and is available in a variety of Class 4 to Class 8 vehicles. The company reports it has more than 200 EVs in use with customers.
• Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) has two EVs: eCascadia—a heavy-duty highway tractor—and the eM2 106—a medium-duty truck used for delivery and last-mile logistics applications. DTNA has partnered with NFI, Penske and Freightliner, all of whom have integrated the vehicles into their fleets.  
• Kenworth recently introduced two medium-duty EVs: K270E (Class 6) and K370E (Class 7). The trucks have a range of 100 miles and 200 miles respectively and come with DC fast-charging standard. There are two electric motor options, producing 355 or 469 horsepower. 
• Navistar's eMV medium-duty truck will be produced in spring 2022. 
• Tesla is scheduled to begin producing its semi in 2021, with the first units being used to haul Tesla passenger vehicles and fulfill orders. Tesla co-founder and CEO Elon Musk has said the truck will have a range of 500 miles (at the maximum 80,000-lb. load for Class 8 trucks). 

There are other encouraging signs that medium- and heavy-duty EVs will become increasingly common:  

• Bus fleets around the world are predicted to be 50% electric by 2025. 
• Automakers are investing heavily in electric technology, which will drive more bus and truck adoption.
• Battery costs are dropping, and that will mean lower initial purchase prices across EV categories.

An update on electric pickup trucks 

The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) recently released its assessment of how likely it is electric pickups will be available in the near future. The following vehicles were described as likely to go into production (all timing provided by the manufacturers):

• Rivian R1T (by summer 2021) 
• Tesla Cybertruck (late 2021)
• GMC Hummer EV (2021)
• Ford F-150 (2022/2023)

The Tesla Cybertruck has made headlines for its unusual "like no truck you’ve ever seen before" looks, its reported 500 miles of range and a towing capacity of up to 14,000 pounds. Ford has promised its electric F-150 truck will continue to be a workhorse versus "lifestyle" truck and will offer high horsepower and torque, the ability to tow heavy trailers and lifetime maintenance savings of 40% (over combustion engines).

Ways to prepare for an EV future

Organizations interested in EVs for medium- and heavy-duty applications should start by asking themselves two questions: why EVs could be a good fit for their fleet and, if they are, how to effectively manage electricity costs and infrastructure requirements. MGE can help with both!

Ask your MGE account manager for more information on how we can help you explore EVs—and charging stations.  

 

  Back to Cover