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Welcome to your introduction to electric commercial vehicles. In this first section, we will look at how electric vehicles differ from diesel or gasoline trucks, why driving behavior matters, and a few key terms you will need to know.
Electric trucks use a battery and motor instead of a diesel engine. This gives them:
Quieter operation
Smooth, instant acceleration
Fewer moving parts to maintain
Zero tailpipe emissions
Driving style directly affects your range. Accelerating smoothly, using regenerative braking, and planning ahead helps you get the most out of your battery.
kW (Kilowatt): Charging speed or power. Higher kW = faster charging.
kWh (Kilowatt-hour): Battery capacity. More kWh = more range (like a fuel tank).
State of Charge (SOC): Battery level, shown as a percentage (like a fuel gauge).
Regenerative Braking: Slows the truck and recovers energy when you lift off the accelerator. (Similar to engine braking, with the added advantage of fueling back your truck!)
Preconditioning: Heating or cooling the cab and battery while plugged in to save energy during the trip.
Types of Charging:
- AC charging (Level 2): Slower charging, common at depots for daily or overnight charging.
- DC fast charging (Level 3): Much faster, often used by larger trucks or when quick turnaround is needed.
Did you know?
EVs Are Older Than Gas Cars
Electric vehicles preceded gasoline-powered cars. The first practical EVs appeared in the 1880s, and by the early 1900s they were a common choice in cities like New York, London, and Paris, with even electric taxi fleets. Early EVs were valued for being quiet, simple to operate, and producing no exhaust. Advantages that remain still important today.
False! Electric trucks have fewer moving parts than diesel trucks. They do not have complex engines, exhaust systems, or many fluids to change. This means less wear and fewer breakdowns. However, routine checks of tires, brakes, and software updates are still required.
Because your driving style directly affects energy use and range. Smooth acceleration, steady speeds, and lifting early to use regenerative braking help you go farther on a charge.
The current battery level, shown as a percentage. The SOC is the EV’s fuel gauge, helping you know how much energy you have left.