As the transportation industry continues to focus on sustainability, fleets are increasingly considering heavy-duty electric trucks as part of their operations. Class 8 electric trucks not only help reduce emissions but also align with long-term environmental goals.
However, one of the most critical challenges is managing the range limitations of heavy-duty electric trucks. Unlike their diesel counterparts, which can travel extensive distances before refueling, electric trucks have a more limited range. This presents new challenges for fleet managers, from planning charging stops to route optimization.
By improving aerodynamics, fleets can extend the range of their heavy-duty electric trucks, enhancing efficiency and reducing operational risks.
What Is the Expected Range of a Heavy-Duty Electric Truck?
While the range of a diesel Class 8 truck can vary widely, they typically get around 7 mpg. This gives them a range of about 1,300 to 1,800 miles on a full tank.
A heavy-duty electric truck operates under different constraints. The range of these trucks is still largely influenced by terrain, payload, and airflow, but they also have to contend with battery capacity and drivetrain efficiency limitations.
Here’s a look at the range specifications of top electric Class 8 trucks available in 2024:
| Make | Model | Range | Charge Time |
| Tesla | Semi | 500 miles | 70% in 30 minutes |
| Volvo | VNR Electric | 275 miles | 80% in 90 minutes |
| Freightliner | eCascadia | 155, 220, or 230 miles | 0-80% in 90 minutes |
| Peterbilt | 579EV | 150 miles | 100% in 3 hours |
While current heavy-duty electric trucks offer competitive ranges for specific applications, they fall short of their diesel counterparts, especially on long-haul routes. For fleets to maximize their electric Class 8 truck range, it is essential to consider aerodynamic efficiency.
Heavy-Duty Electric Truck Aerodynamics
Aerodynamics is a significant factor in the energy efficiency of heavy-duty electric trucks. At higher speeds, up to 65% of a truck’s energy is used to overcome air resistance. Reducing this aerodynamic drag can dramatically improve the vehicle’s range.
Electric trucks have an inherent advantage when it comes to aerodynamics. Unlike conventional trucks, which must accommodate large engines and complex drivetrains, electric trucks can take advantage of streamlined designs. With smaller electric motors and floor-mounted batteries, manufacturers have more flexibility to create sleek, aerodynamic shapes that reduce drag. In addition, the cooling systems of electric trucks are simpler, requiring fewer openings for air intake, which further enhances their aerodynamic performance.
How to Increase the Range of an Electric Class 8 Truck
To maximize the range of heavy-duty electric trucks, here are five strategies that focus on improving aerodynamics and optimizing performance:
- Improve Aerodynamics. One of the simplest ways to reduce drag is by closing the gap between the tractor and the trailer. The batteries on an electric vehicle can require extra space that creates a larger gap, which increases turbulence. An automated gap reducer, like TruckWings, can close this space, improving the aerodynamics and increasing range by around 5%.
- Drive Smoothly and Maintain a Steady Speed. Smooth acceleration and braking are key to conserving energy in electric trucks. Fleet operators can implement eco-driving training programs to teach drivers how to manage speed and avoid sudden changes that drain the battery.
- Maximize Regenerative Braking. Regenerative braking allows electric trucks to recover some of the energy used during braking. By anticipating stops and leveraging regenerative braking to its fullest, fleets can extend their truck’s range while minimizing energy waste.
- Monitor Tire Pressure. Proper tire maintenance is critical for reducing rolling resistance. Under-inflated tires create additional drag, reducing the efficiency and range of the truck.
- Manage Payload Efficiently. Extra weight places a greater demand on the truck’s battery, reducing range. Efficiently managing the payload can minimize unnecessary energy consumption.
Improve Your Fleet’s Heavy-Duty Electric Truck Range
Since more than half of a Class 8 truck’s energy is spent overcoming air resistance, improving aerodynamics can play a crucial role in extending the range of electric trucks. For fleets utilizing heavy-duty electric trucks, reducing aerodynamic drag is key to boosting efficiency and lowering costs.
TruckWings is a proven solution designed to reduce drag and improve the range of electric Class 8 trucks by approximately 5%. By automatically closing the gap between the tractor and trailer at highway speeds, TruckWings technology helps electric trucks travel farther on a single charge. Additionally, the device automatically retracts at slower speeds to allow for easy maneuvering, so no driver interaction is required.
To learn more about how TruckWings can improve your fleet’s electric truck range, contact us today.
