7 electric truck companies to watch in 2024

As I continue to delve into the electrifying world of trucks, this third installment of my series focuses on the driving forces behind the electric truck market—the companies that are reshaping the landscape of commercial transportation. Electric trucks are gaining unprecedented momentum, driven by a global commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly solutions.

In this article, I will spotlight the trailblazers, innovators, and market leaders that are steering the electric truck industry towards a cleaner and more efficient future.

(Note: This is not a full list of companies that presented on the market, but the ones I have studied so far).

Nikola Motors

Hailing from the United States, Nikola Motors stands as a manufacturer of heavy-duty commercial battery-electric and fuel-cell electric vehicles, along with energy solutions. The company gained prominence by presenting innovative vehicle concepts, starting with a natural gas-fueled turbine-electric semi-truck in 2016. In June 2020, Nikola went public, projecting deliveries of 300 to 500 of its first battery-electric semi-trucks, the Nikola Tre, to customers by February 2022.?

The company faced scrutiny with investigations into securities fraud in September 2020, leading to a federal indictment of founder Trevor Milton in July 2021. Despite the challenges, Nikola delivered its first two battery-electric trucks in December 2021.

Recently presented Nikola's revolutionary hydrogen fuel cell electric truck boasts an impressive range of up to 804,6 km (500 miles) and an estimated refueling time as brief as 20 minutes.

Anticipated to offer one of the lengthiest ranges among commercially available zero tailpipe emission Class 8 trucks, this truck is versatile, catering to a spectrum of applications — from drayage and intermodal to metro-regional truckload, less-than-truckload, and specific specialized hauling scenarios.

Volvo

Volvo Trucks, a leading player successfully delivered an electric truck for heavy transport in Sweden, designed to handle an impressive total weight of 74 tons. Within Europe, Volvo Trucks commands a dominant position with a 32% market share in heavy electric trucks. Across the Atlantic in North America, nearly half of all heavy electric trucks registered in 2022 were of the Volvo brand, solidifying its influence in the region.

Volvo's commitment to advancing electric mobility is evident in the continuous evolution of its battery technology for the FL and FE Electric medium-duty trucks. The journey began with a 50kWh capacity, progressing to 66kWh, and culminating in the latest battery packs boasting an impressive 94kWh capacity.

Take, for instance, the FH Electric, which showcases remarkable specifications. This larger 44-tonne rated FH Electric model offers three different cab options, incorporates five to six battery packs based on range requirements, features a usable energy storage capacity ranging from 450 to 540kWh, delivers up to 300km of range, and harnesses 490kW of continuous power from its three electric motors.

In comparison, the smaller yet versatile medium-duty 16-26-tonne FL and FE Electric, introduced in Australia last year, provides a range of configurations. With four distinct cab styles and three or four battery packs, it offers a usable energy storage capacity between 265 and 375kWh, up to 225kW of continuous power from its two electric motors, and a commendable range of up to 300km.

Daimler Trucks

In the dynamic landscape of electric trucks, German automotive giant Daimler Truck AG , the world's largest truck manufacturer, entered the scene in 2018 with its groundbreaking all-electric 18-wheeler, the Freightliner eCascadia. Tailored for regional transportation and port services, this "behemoth" boasts a formidable 250-mile range.

Daimler's electric fleet extends to the Freightliner eM2 106, designed for local distribution with a 230-mile range, and includes plans for an all-electric box truck and a school bus.

Today industry watches with bated breath to see if Daimler will emerge as a leader or a laggard in the race for all-electric delivery vehicles.

Tesla

The "Tesla Semi" stands as a groundbreaking heavy-duty all-electric truck program under the leadership of Jerome Guillen, Tesla 's former Model S Program Director and VP of Vehicle Engineering. Introduced in Elon Musk's "Master Plan Part Deux," the Tesla Semi boasts remarkable efficiency, using less than 1.2 kW?h/km.

Tesla envisions a "Convoy Mode" feature that will enable multiple Tesla Semis to semi-autonomously slipstream, reducing drag and enhancing overall efficiency in the electric truck landscape.

The charging port of the Tesla Semi sets it apart from all the vehicles previously released by the company. A notable feature is the Megachargers installed at the Modesto facility, capable of delivering approximately 750 kW of power—about three times the output of Tesla's Supercharger V3 network, as highlighted by the automotive publication.?

The cables associated with the Tesla Semi's Megachargers, although thick, are reportedly easier to handle compared to certain DC fast charging networks available in the market.

Charging the Semi from nearly empty to 70% typically requires approximately 30 minutes, while a full charge from 0% to 100% is estimated to take around 90 minutes.

Kenworth

In a recent milestone, Kenworth Truck Co. of Kirkland, Washington, introduced the electric iteration of its zero-emissions flagship, the T680E semi-truck. While not Kenworth's inaugural venture into battery-powered transportation, the T680E marks a significant stride, emerging as the heaviest and largest model within the venerable manufacturer's 98-year history of electric trucks.

The Meritor-sourced powertrain propels the T680E with impressive stats—536 horsepower of continuous power, a peak power of 670 horsepower, and a substantial 1,623 pound-feet of torque.

With a top speed of 65 mph (compliant with speed limits for semis in certain states) and an estimated range of 241 km (150 miles), the T680E positions itself in the electric truck landscape.

While some diesel-powered counterparts boast longer ranges, capable of covering around 3218 km (2,000 miles) with a 300-gallon tank, Kenworth's electric offering signals a pivotal step towards sustainability.

Scania

Scania Group AB, a prominent Swedish manufacturer headquartered in S?dert?lje, specializes in the production of commercial vehicles, focusing on heavy lorries, trucks, and buses.

Scania's cutting-edge regional electric trucks represent a significant leap forward in terms of specifications. These vehicles can effectively manage gross train weights of up to 64 tons, featuring an impressive range of up to 390 kilometers (242 miles).

Furthermore, they support charging capacities reaching up to 375 kW and deliver robust power levels ranging from 400 to 450 kW, equivalent to approximately 610 horsepower. These specifications far exceed those found in conventional trucks currently in operation.

Available in both rigid and tractor configurations, Scania's latest electric trucks offer versatility with options for R and S series cabs.

While the actual range may vary based on factors such as weight, operating conditions, weather, and driving style, a 27-ton city tipper equipped with six batteries can achieve up to 350 kilometers between charges.

Notably, a one-hour charge has the capacity to add 270 kilometers of range, and even with a 130 kW charger, a significant addition of 100 kilometers of range can be achieved within one hour for a truck consuming 1.3 kWh/km.

MAN

MAN Truck & Bus SE is embracing electric propulsion to enhance the sustainability of its vehicle fleet.

In a move towards a greener future, MAN is set to commence production of its electric long-haul truck in 2024, and the anticipation is evident with over 500 order inquiries already received.

Designed for extended daily journeys spanning between 600 and 800 kilometers, the MAN electric truck comes equipped with the necessary technical features to seamlessly integrate with future megawatt charging systems, paving the way for enhanced efficiency and convenience. So let's wait :)

Conclusion

It's evident that the industry is experiencing a transformative surge towards sustainable transportation. Companies like Chanje, Daimler, Nikola, Kenworth, and Tesla and others are not just manufacturing vehicles; they are shaping the future of how goods are transported, emphasizing efficiency, reduced emissions, and technological innovation.

As electric trucks evolve from concept to concrete solutions on our roads, the question arises: How do you envision the future of electric trucks impacting the landscape of commercial transportation?

Will this eco-friendly revolution redefine logistics, or are there challenges that must be addressed for widespread adoption?

Join the conversation and share your insights into the electric truck revolution in the comments section.