Why switch to electric heavy goods vehicles today?
According to a report published by Avere, In 2023, 3,163 electric trucks were registered in Europe, including 552 in France, three times more than in 2022. Although the share of electric vehicles is still marginal (0.1 % of the European market), it is set to grow rapidly. In France, Renault Trucks, DAF and Volvo offer 16 t electric trucks, and almost all manufacturers now offer 19 to 26 t models with increasing ranges, adapted to different logistics needs (Europarl, 2023).
Over and above this trend, investing in electric trucks today to green your commercial vehicle fleet is a winning strategy, enabling you to :
Comply with increasing regulatory pressure
Electric trucks provide an effective response to the need to decarbonise the logistics sector, which has been singled out for its polluting emissions. Heavy goods vehicles account for a significant proportion of greenhouse gas emissions (23.4 % in 2019 - Bpifrance figures).
Key climate figures for France, Europe and the World, 2023 edition Source : Bpifrance
Every diesel truck replaced by an electric truck
avoids the emission of 890 t CO₂ eq over 12 years.
(Avere, 2023 report)
European regulations set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, under the Effort Sharing Regulation, to help the EU achieve zero CO₂ emissions by 2050. All Member States are required to reduce their emissions by between 10 and 50 % depending on their capacity. In France, the initial national target for 2030 is -37 % compared to 2005, but the Commission's proposal has tightened this target to -47.5 % (Europarl, 2023) (updated by Regulation (EU) 2018/842).
Anticipating this regulatory transition is therefore becoming a strategic lever for securing the future of your fleet and preparing you for tomorrow's environmental requirements.
Enhance your brand image and your CSR approach
Investing in electric heavy goods vehicles also sends out a strong signal to your customers and investors. At a time when Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is becoming a key differentiator, adopting clean vehicles demonstrates your commitment to sustainability and environmental protection, strengthening the trust and loyalty of your partners, customers and employees.
Reduce your total cost of ownership (TCO)
Beyond image and compliance, electric trucks significantly reduce total operating costs. Lower fuel costs, reduced maintenance requirements and more predictable costs make electric vehicles a profitable investment over the medium and long term. The transition to electric vehicles thus becomes a lever for competitiveness and financial optimisation for your company.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
What are the advantages of electric trucks for fleets?
Investing in electric trucks brings many operational and strategic benefits for your fleet
1. Less maintenance and breakdowns
In terms of maintenance, an electric truck can cost around 30 % less than a diesel model, according to several studies. The absence of a particulate filter and engine oil change considerably reduces maintenance requirements.
2. Lower fuel costs
Electric recharging represents 3 to 4 times less expensive than fossil fuels. By scheduling recharges during off-peak hours or at suitable charging points, you can make significant savings on your energy bills.
3. Improved driving comfort
Silence, absence of vibration and on-board technology make a real difference to your drivers. Less noise and a smoother ride reduce fatigue and increase job satisfaction. In urban areas electric trucks help to reduce noise pollution, which theWHO as "the second most important environmental factor causing health problems, just after the impact of air pollution".
4. Preferential access to low-emission zones (ZFE)
With the proliferation of low-emission zones In the mobility zones (ZFE-m) in major European cities and their suburbs, electric trucks benefit from easier access. A competitive advantage that allows you to maintain your urban operations without constraints and remain competitive in local deliveries.
What are the limits of electric trucks and the challenges they face?
L'autonomy electric trucks
The current range of electric trucks already meets the needs of fleets urban, with ranges of 250 to 300 kmThese are sufficient to ensure daily deliveries by recharging vehicles overnight at the depot.
For long-distance journeys, models are gradually evolving, with vehicles capable of covering distances of up to 500 km appearing on the market. Ambitious projects such as Tesla's 37-tonne Semi truck, with a range of up to 800 km, are paving the way for the complete electrification of intercity fleets in the years ahead.
Weight and payload capacity
The weight of the batteries can reduce payload capacity, but advances in energy density and the lightness of the electric powertrain mean that this constraint can be limited. Some forwarder models equipped with 540 kWh batteries can achieve payloads of up to 27 tonnes.
Performance that is evolving rapidly, as shown by theVolvo FH Aero Electrican electric truck with 600 km range and ultra-fast recharging which offers a payload comparable to a diesel model (up to 48 tonnes GVW). It will be launched on the market in 2026.
Higher acquisition costs
The price of an electric truck is still around 3 times higher than that of a diesel. However, it is important to consider the total cost of ownership (TCO), which includes fuel, maintenance and insurance. Lower operating costs for energy and maintenance mean that this investment can be amortised over time, and rapid growth in production volumes could lead to a favourable change in the purchase price.
Lack of fast-charging infrastructure for heavy goods vehicles
Electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) can generally be recharged at the depot at night, but depending on their activities and the length of their journeys, they may need to be recharged along the way or at their destination. The public network is still insufficient to cover the needs of electric heavy goods vehicles.
According to a study published by McKinsey, Nearly 300,000 recharging infrastructures will have to be deployed across Europe to power electric trucks by 2030.
What are the innovations and prospects for electric heavy goods vehicles?
1. Solid state batteries and Megawatt Charging System (MCS)
Solid batteries offer promising prospects in terms of energy density, safety and durability, making it possible to increase vehicle range.
At the same time, the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) is a future ultra-fast charging standard designed for long-haul and heavy-duty trucks. With a power rating of up to 3.75 MWThis will considerably reduce downtime, making long-distance journeys more compatible with logistical requirements.
2. Development of high-speed terminals for heavy goods vehicles
The power of the charging stations will be a key factor in the efficiency of electric fleets: up to 600 kW for trucks, compared with 150-300 kW for light vehicles. This level of power will enable heavy trucks to be recharged quickly and optimise their availability.
In France, motorways are gradually adapting: the five stations ENGIE Vianeo in the Lyon-Paris corridorlocated at APRR's HGV service areas, are equipped with very high-power charging stations. Each station has two 400 to 480 kW CCS charge pointswhich can recharge approximately 300 km of range in just 45 minutes.
This is the first time in Europe that such ultra-fast charging points have been deployed every 150 km on a motorway network, with the possibility of simultaneously charging two electric lorries or coaches.
3. Experimentation and innovative technologies
A promising experiment is under way on the A10 motorway, near Paris, involving recharging by induction while the vehicle is moving, without stopping. This technology, still in the experimental stage, could eventually be applied to cars and lorries over long distances, paving the way for new solutions for intensive electric mobility.
You would like toto electric?
Beev offers multi-brand 100% electric vehicles at the best prices, as well as recharging solutions.
How do you integrate electric HGVs into your fleet?
Identifying good practices
Before making any investment, it is essential to determine which routes are suitable for electric vehicles. Electric trucks are particularly effective for short and medium distances, especially in urban and suburban areas. For long-haul applications, it's important to assess the range required and the options available for heavy-duty models and road tractors. This analysis will help maximise the use and profitability of electric vehicles.
Each electric model has its own specific range. It is therefore essential to adapt the fleet to actual journeys, taking into account the payload and operating conditions (topography, weather, frequency of stops). Careful planning avoids service interruptions and optimises vehicle availability.
| Model | Capacity battery | Range (km) | Payload | Max. speed | Recharge time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logistics 18E (Futuricum) | Not specified (reusable/recyclable batteries) | 1,099 km (record), ~500 km actual | 19 t (GVW) | 86 km/h | CCS 350 kW : ~1 h 42 |
| Renault Trucks D Wide Z.E | 200 kWh lithium-ion | ~200 km | 11 t | Not specified | On-board fast charging 22 kW |
| Tesla Semi | Not specified | Long distance (announced) | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| Mercedes eActros | 3 lithium-ion modules (total not specified) | ~200 km | Not specified | Not specified | 160 kW: 1 h - 1 h 30 (20-80 %) |
| Freightliner eCascadia | 475 kWh | ~400 km | ~40 t (GVW) | Not specified | 90 min for 80 % |
How do you set up charging facilities for electric heavy goods vehicles?
Studying the need for autonomy and infrastructure
Analysing your fleet is essential for defining range requirements and sizing charging stations. It helps to determine :
- The maximum autonomy required for each mission,
- The minimum charge time required,
- Adequate terminal capacity per vehicle.
We must take into account :
- Rounds carried out (return trips between depot and delivery sites, multi-site deliveries);
- Vehicle utilisation rate (turnover rate) ;
- Route distances and topography;
- Delivery times and constraints.
Choosing the right type of bollard
| Type of recharge | Power | Recommended use | Recharge time | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slow | Up to 50 kW | Night-time recharging at the depot | < 10 h | Low cost, full autonomy for the day |
| Fast | Up to 200 kW | Daytime top-ups (loading/unloading) | < 2 h | Limits downtime, battery full quickly |
| Ultra-fast | Up to 480 kW | Short breaks, long-distance missions | ~45 min for 300 km | Fast charging on the move, minimising interruptions |
Choosing a strategic location for charging points
The location of the terminals must be carefully thought out to facilitate traffic flow and logistics: dedicated parking for HGVs, loading bays and access to the site. It is also necessary to anticipate future traffic flows and additional requirements, as well as the work involved in connecting to the electricity network (civil engineering). An analysis of the site makes it possible to list all the constraints and size the technical solution, thereby limiting the extra costs involved in installation.
Good to know: Pooling infrastructure between several companies on the same industrial estate is a particularly sensible alternative. It enables connection costs to be shared, but on the other hand requires the total power required to be anticipated and the process of using the charging points to be organised.
Anticipating changes in network capacity requirements
At this stage, it is important to take into account potential changes to the fleet, as well as projected technical developments in charging conditions and standards (output voltage >800V for HGVs, for example).
Important information:
In France, the Advenir programme provides financial support for on-site HGV charging point projects until 2027:
- For projects < 500 kVA: 50 % of the amount (excluding VAT) for the supply and installation of the recharging points, with a ceiling depending on the type of terminal (AC/DC).
- For projects > 500 kVA: up to €960,000 for the connection of chargers > 8 MW.
Please note: funding is only available for the first installation, not for the replacement of existing bollards.
Thanks to technological advances and the development of recharging infrastructures, electric trucks are becoming more efficient every day and better adapted to the needs of professionals.
Greening your truck fleet is a winning approach that not only meets new regulatory and environmental requirements, but also anticipates the changes taking place in a sector in the throes of an energy transition. Companies that take the plunge now are ahead of the game and reducing their operating costs in the long term.
Take action today and find out how Beev can help your fleet make the transition to electric vehicles!
