The Costs and Benefits of Electric Trucks: A Synopsis of the U.S. Trucking Market

Electric trucks (e-trucks) are a key component of the climate change initiatives implemented to reduce pollutants within the transportation sector, one of the major contributors of carbon dioxide and other harmful particulates. Due to the substantial volume of pollution emitted by the trucking sector, any reduction would present a promising step towards reducing emissions and advancing sustainable transportation. However, as this paper points out, many obstacles must be overcome before e-trucking can become a major player in climate change. Key challenges include range limitations, charging infrastructure, and higher upfront costs. Thus, continued investment in technology, infrastructure development, and supportive policies will be crucial to overcoming these challenges and realizing the full potential of e-trucks within the global transportation sector. Future research needs to analyze the trade-offs between e-trucking and other options, including diesel, fuel cell electric and plug-in hybrids, and alternative clean fuel sources such as hydrogen.