With the ever-increasing demand for faster transit times, lower emissions, and efficiency, electric HGVs have become an increasingly popular technology choice within the logistics industry. Electric HGVs are becoming increasingly democratised, as more and more companies are turning to them in an effort to generate cost savings and improve their environmental footprint. This blog post will discuss the various benefits of electric HGVs in the logistics industry, from reducing environmental impact and cost savings to increased safety and reliability. By understanding how electric HGVs can revolutionise the logistics industry, companies can capitalise on this new form of transportation for their business. If you’re already an experienced HGV driver, don’t forget to take an HGV refresher course from time to time to keep your knowledge current.
The Impact of Electric HGVs on the Logistics Industry
The logistics industry is going through modernization, with new technologies that enhance environmental sustainability and reduce pollution. One of the most promising options is switching from fossil fuel-powered heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) to electric HGVs. This innovation, while in its early stages, has already had a significant impact on the logistics industry. A report by Transport & Environment found that electric HGVs could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 54 million tonnes by 2030, equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas emissions of Egypt.
The Advantages of Electric HGVs
Electric HGVs have many advantages over traditional HGVs. Firstly, electric HGVs offer a much quieter and smoother journey. This silent function enables these vehicles to deliver goods during the night, avoiding traffic congestion and reducing emissions. Secondly, electric HGVs have fewer moving parts, which means fewer maintenance and repair costs. Finally, Electric HGVs emit fewer pollutants than traditional HGVs, resulting in cleaner air, and improved overall environmental sustainability.
The Barriers to Entry
Despite the clear advantages, the adoption of electric HGVs has been slow. One of the main reasons is the high initial cost of purchasing an electric HGV compared to a traditional HGV. An electric HGV and supporting infrastructure can cost up to 60% more than their traditional counterparts. However, with recent advances in technology, battery-powered electric HGVs have a longer range and a rapid charging time, considerably decreasing the cost overall.
The Future of Electric HGVs
Governments across the world understand the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and are encouraging the adoption of electric HGVs through legislation and incentives. In May 2021, the UK government released an ambitious plan to transition road freight HGVs to zero-emission vehicles by 2050. Holistically, the transition to electric HGVs is inevitable and the industrial sector must work together to reduce transportation emissions.
While electric HGVs provide numerous benefits, wide-scale adoption is still in its early stages. However, with governments offering incentives and setting ambitious goals, the logistical sector must invest in the technology’s growth to achieve the goal of a more sustainable future.