You might have seen the well-known slogan printed on trucks: "Without trucks, Australia stops." The rumble of diesel engines has always been the soundtrack of Australian highways, and diesel trucks have long been an integral part of the economy, moving goods across the country's length and breadth.

As vehicle manufacturers display their latest electric vehicles, the question arises - How will the heavy industry change, and what challenges will the future hold? While electrification promises a quieter, cleaner, and more efficient future, transitioning comes with real challenges.

Heavy Loads require Stronger Roads

Due to their heavy battery packs, electric trucks and buses tend to be heavier than their diesel counterparts. Hence, there is a push to increase axle weight limits on certain roads. Higher axle loads carry the risk of quicker road deterioration and will require greater investment in road maintenance and upgrading.

This means:

• Strength of Bridges: We need to investigate if the current bridges can handle the increased vehicle weight
• Road Surface Integrity: We also need to determine how the increased weight can affect the road surface, particularly in traffic-prone regions
• Safety Concerns: Are the current road safety measures adequate for heavier vehicles, or will they need to be upgraded?

Maintenance and Repair Challenges

There will also be changes in maintaining and repairing electric heavy vehicles, such as:

• Specialised Tools and Equipment: Working on high-voltage systems requires specialised tools, equipment, and mechanics' training. This means bigger investments in upgrading workshop facilities and training programs
• Battery Technology: The long-term durability and performance of battery packs are critical concerns. Maintaining and replacing batteries will require specialised knowledge and infrastructure
• Data Analysis and Diagnostics: Electric vehicles generate vast amounts of data on vehicle performance and battery health. Analysing this data effectively will be crucial for predictive maintenance and optimising vehicle performance

Read more on How long do electric batteries last (Opens into a new website page).

The Workshop of the Future

Maintaining and repairing electric heavy vehicles requires a different skill set. Mechanics must understand high-voltage systems, battery technology, and sophisticated diagnostics. Workshops will need to invest in specialised tools, safety equipment, and ongoing training for their staff.

Read more on How workshops will need to adapt to electric vehicle repairs and services (Opens into a new website page).

This change presents both opportunities and challenges. It could be an opportunity to upskill the workforce, attract a new generation of mechanics interested in technology, and create a better-skilled, more competitive industry. The government will have a supporting role as it funds the training programs and supports the development of a skilled workforce in this new field.

Breaking Down the Hurdles

One of the more significant challenges associated with the general use of heavy electric vehicles is the building up of sufficient charging infrastructure. Long-haul routes will require high-powered charging spots, while areas such as cities can accommodate charging needs based on the requirements of delivery trucks and buses.

Read more on Everything you need to know about heavy vehicle charging (Opens into a new website page).

This means heavy investments in the public and private sectors. Government incentives, partnerships with energy companies, and private investment in charging infrastructure will be crucial in ensuring this transition is seamless for the trucking industry.

The Human Element

This switch to electric trucks will also affect truck drivers. Though the initial investment might be higher, the long-term operating costs of electric trucks are bound to be lower. This could increase trucking companies' profitability and potentially higher wages for drivers.

It is also important to understand the transition from diesel to electric driving. Not everybody likes change. Experienced drivers should feel comfortable with the training and confident about operating electric-powered vehicles. Other support measures may also be required to ease drivers' transition to new technologies and the changing trucking industry landscape.

A Sustainable Future

The future is not just about technology; it also means Australia will have a greener future. Lower emissions and cleaner air allow healthier lives. A transition from diesel to electrical will require government, industry, and community cooperation. The future is indeed exciting for the heavy vehicle transport industry.

References:

• National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) - https://www.nhvr.gov.au/
• Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) - https://hvia.asn.au/
• Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts - https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/

Article copyright to RUD Group. This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.