By Lauren Fix, The Car Coach
Electric Trucks are coming on the market in 2021—are you ready? What are the pros and cons of electric trucks versus gas and diesel trucks? Here is our list.
The Pros of Driving an Electric Truck
Reduced Emissions
Clean air and global warming have become a sizzling political issue.
Electric cars have 40 percent lesser emissions than their traditionally powered counterparts. If electric trucks can match these emission levels, the atmosphere’s toxic gases will be significantly minimized.
Lower Cost to Operate per Mile
The cost of operating an electric truck per mile is estimated at $1.26, while the cost of owning a diesel heavy goods vehicle stands at $1.51 per mile. Similarly, the cost of maintaining an electric truck is also lower than a diesel engine-driven truck.
They are Quiet
Electric trucks and cars run have little engine noise.
Maintenance is Less Frequent and Less Expensive
Electric vehicles don’t run on oil and have fewer moving parts than gas and diesel counterparts. They still need maintenance, though, just like any complicated machine.
Tax Credits
As the original owner of an electric vehicle, you’ll likely receive a tax credit to purchase and drive a zero-emissions car. That tax credit can be as high as $7,500, depending on the make and model. There is, predictably, fine print when it comes to EV tax credits, Tesla and GM don’t offer a credit, but your state or company may offer one.
HOV lanes
Some states are offering usage of the HOV lane or “carpool” lane, any time of day, even if you’re riding solo, if you drive an electric vehicle. You will save time if you live in a high-traffic area.
The Cons of Driving an Electric Truck
Of course, nothing is perfect, and electric vehicles are no exception.
Range Anxiety
Range anxiety basically means having an issue where you can get a charge driving out on the road and how long the charging takes.
Electric vehicles, including trucks and vans, have this common problem. Range limitation is a cause for concern and anxiety among electric vehicle owners.
Haulers are designed to crisscross states. Cargo distribution service providers need vehicles that provide a good range, including refuel/recharge anywhere for the shortest possible time. Range anxiety is still an issue of concern for potential electric truck owners.
Choice of Truck
Currently, truck operators don’t have much choice if they want to buy an electric delivery vehicle. There are only a few EV manufacturers that venture into the production of electric trucks and vans.
Insurance Costs
Finding EV insurance is currently a tricky issue because only a few vehicle insurance companies are willing to insure electric trucks. The cost for insuring electric vehicles costs more than traditional vehicles.
Availability of Charging Points
There is currently a limited number and EV charging points across the United States. More are popping up, but the concerns for truck operators and those who rely on their truck may not be able to find a charging station near their worksite. Building a charger at home can also be cost-prohibitive.
Time to Charge
To fill up a diesel or gas vehicle only takes minutes but recharging an electric truck could take hours with standard charging units. Superfast charging is not yet online.
Increased Cost of Vehicle
If you’ve never shopped for an EV before, you might experience a bit of sticker shock upon beginning your research. Even the more affordable electric car models start in the $30,000 to $40,000 range, while luxury models can be $80,000s and upward. Until technology advances and becomes less expensive to produce, consumers can expect to pay between $10,000 and $50,000 more for an Electric vehicle.
The Bottom Line
The current administration wants more EVs and will offer incentives. In other countries, the incentive helps but doesn’t prompt consumers to sell their vehicles and have only one EV in their households. It helps but will not replace all gas and diesel-powered vehicles.
Manufactures will be producing electric vehicles to meet the corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) as federal fines could be excessive overtime. Manufacturers are not making a profit from these vehicles either, and they’re in business to make money. If they’re not making money and are forced to produce cars that don’t produce a profit, it will only hurt their bottom line, which will reduce their advancement in technology and employment.
Future Electric Trucks, Start Prices and Availability
| Atlis XT | Prices start at $45,000 – available 2022 |
| Bollinger B2 | Prices start at $125,000 – no set time in 2021 |
| F-150 EV | Prices start at $90,000 – mid 2022 |
| Fisker Alaska | No information available |
| Hummer EV | Prices start at $80,000 – late 2021 |
| Lordstown Endurance Pickup | Prices start at $52,500 – September 2021 |
| Nikola Badger | No price yet – avail 2022 |
| Nissan Titan Electric | No information available |
| Rivian R1T | Prices start at $67,500 – 250 mile range – deliveries start in June |
| Tesla Cyber Truck | Prices expected $39,500 – very late 2021 or 2022 |
Lauren Fix, The Car Coach®, is a nationally recognized automotive expert, analyst, author, and television host. A trusted car expert, Lauren provides an insider’s perspective on a wide range of automotive topics and aspects, energy, industry, consumer news, and safety issues.
Lauren is the CEO of Automotive Aspects and the Editor-in-Chief of Car Coach Reports, a global automotive news outlet. She is an automotive contributor to national and local television news shows, including Fox News, Fox Business, CNN International, The Weather Channel, Inside Edition, Local Now News, Community Digital News, and more. Lauren also co-hosts a regular show on ABC.com with Paul Brian called “His Turn – Her Turn” and hosts regular radio segments on USA Radio – DayBreak.
Lauren is honored to be inducted into the Women’s Transportation Hall of Fame and a Board Member of the Buffalo Motorcar Museum, and Juror / President for the North American Car, Utility & Truck of the Year Awards.
Check her out on Twitter and Instagram @LaurenFix.
