Powering the Shift: Why Electrify Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicles

The transportation sector is a major contributor to global GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions, with medium and heavy-duty vehicles playing a significant role. As efforts to reduce carbon footprints increase, electrifying these vehicles becomes crucial. We examine the importance of this transition to zero-emission commercial vehicles, and how Proterra’s premium battery technology is powering the shift.

The Emissions Challenge

Environmental Impact of Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicles

Medium and heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks, buses, and delivery vans, are essential to commerce and public transport but have a significant environmental impact. Despite being only 5% of vehicles on the road, they account for nearly 23% of the transportation sector’s GHG emissions, according to the EPA.

Key Emissions Statistics:

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Medium and heavy-duty vehicles emitted approximately 400 million metric tons of CO2 in the United States in 2020.
• Fuel Consumption: These vehicles are major consumers of fossil fuels, with the sector consuming over 47 billion gallons of diesel annually in the U.S. alone.
• Noise Pollution Reduction: EVs operate much quieter than traditional diesel engines, reducing noise pollution and contributing to a more peaceful environments.

Why Electrification?

Environmental Benefits

Electrifying medium and heavy-duty vehicles offers environmental benefits:

• Reduction in Emissions: EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, significantly lowering NOx, PM, and CO2 pollutants that are known to be harmful to human health.
• Improved Air Quality: Reduced emissions contribute to better air quality, particularly in urban areas where vehicles are higher concentrated. See how a School Bus powered by Proterra is helping to improve air quality for Cherokee Nation.
• Resource Efficiency: Electrification decreases dependence on finite fossil fuels and improves energy sustainability.

Proterra: Powering the Shift in Electrification

Proterra is a pioneer in commercial vehicle electrification, providing industry-leading battery technology tailored for commercial applications.

Proterra’s Premium Battery Technology

Proterra’s battery systems are designed with the specific needs of medium and heavy-duty vehicles in mind:

• High Energy Density: Our batteries offer industry-leading energy density, ensuring longer driving ranges and fewer charging cycles.
• Durability and Reliability: Engineered and tested for durability, Proterra’s batteries withstand the toughest operating conditions, providing reliable performance.
• Safety: Our guiding principle is safety. Proterra batteries undergo extensive testing to meet and exceed industry standards, ensuring they can withstand the harshest conditions.

Proterra is committed to powering the shift by building Innovative Battery Technology To Power A Better, More Sustainable World.

Want to learn more about Proterra ? Join our webinar "Get to Know Proterra" on July 23.