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As fuel prices fluctuate and environmental regulations rapidly change, electric commercial trucks are no longer just a futuristic concept. They’re becoming a strategic investment for the modern fleet owner. From electric heavy-duty trucks to electric delivery vans, more businesses are embracing battery electric vehicles (BEVs) for their economic and environmental advantages than ever before.
While BEVs may not make sense for every commercial application, its advantageous to fully understand the alternative power options available in the market and the benefits they can provide in terms of regulatory compliance, cost of ownership and sustainability. Here are the top benefits of electric trucks and why diversifying your fleet with BEVs may make sense for achieving your business goals.
6 Advantages of Electric Trucks
Electric trucks are transforming modern commercial fleets, offering a smarter, cleaner and more cost-effective way to operate. Here’s what makes the switch so worthwhile.
1. Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, with diesel-powered trucks producing 18% of all vehicle emissions in the U.S. Diesel engines produce harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter that are known to contribute to air pollution and cause serious health issues, including asthma and heart disease.
All-electric vehicles, on the other hand, produce zero tailpipe emissions, resulting in a significantly reduced carbon footprint and less greenhouse gases. This is a major win for companies trying to lower their environmental impact or keep up with strict regulations. For fleet owners, taking steps to reduce greenhouse gases now contributes to meeting ESG goals and is a smart way to stay ahead of evolving emissions regulations.
Widespread BEV adoption also has the potential to make a big difference in air quality, which will be especially important in cities, neighborhoods, and routes near schools, hospitals, or densely populated areas. And it's not just a theory. Cities in China and Norway that have embraced electric vehicles are already seeing cleaner air and better public health.
2. Less Noise Pollution
One of the first things people notice about electric trucks is how quiet they are. Compared to diesel trucks, electric heavy-duty trucks run with minimal noise and hardly any vibration.
While a diesel engine runs at about 100 decibels (about as loud as a lawnmower), electric commercial trucks cruise along at around 45 decibels (and a maximum of 79), which is more like having a regular conversation. Quieter operation means trucks can make off-peak or overnight deliveries in busy city areas without creating a disturbance, offering more flexible delivery windows and fewer scheduling pressures.
Communities benefit, and drivers feel the difference, too. Less noise means less fatigue, especially on long hauls or nighttime routes, making for a more comfortable experience for everyone — including bystanders.
3. Lower Fuel and Operating Costs
Diesel prices have been volatile in recent years, wreaking havoc on even the most well-thought-out budgets. Electricity, however, is cheaper per mile than diesel and is also more stable in price. This stability becomes an increasingly important factor as global markets continue to mesh. Any sort of economic upheaval around the globe can have a drastic impact on fuel prices.
The benefits of electric trucks in the commercial sector don’t stop there. Electric vehicles are more cost-effective in the long term, mainly because there’s less to maintain — no oil changes, no diesel exhaust fluid and no fuel filters to replace. Regenerative braking also helps extend the life cycle of your brake system and increases available range. For larger fleets, this can all lead to major cost savings at scale.
4. Reduced Maintenance Requirements
If you’ve ever dealt with the downtime and costs of a diesel engine repair, you know how disruptive it can be. Fortunately, electric trucks offer simpler and fewer maintenance requirements.
With far fewer moving parts under the hood (no transmission, clutch or complicated emissions systems), your fleet will have fewer breakdowns and trips to the shop. You're also dodging major costs tied to things like transmission repairs or cleaning exhaust aftertreatment systems. In the end, less time spent on maintenance and repairs means uptime.
5. Government Incentives and Subsidies
Going electric doesn’t just save money, it can also bring it in. Both federal and state programs offer generous incentives to offset the cost of electric trucks and implementing a charging infrastructure.
The Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit, for example, offers up to $40,000 per qualifying vehicle. States like California and New York also offer rebates and grants through programs like HVIP and NYTVIP. It’s also not just truck costs that these incentives and subsidies cover. These programs can also help cover infrastructure, making the switch much more affordable.
6. Enhanced Performance
Electric motors deliver instant torque, which means smooth, powerful acceleration without the lag of a traditional diesel engine. This makes them perfect for stop-and-go urban driving or tackling steep grades. They also provide a better driver experience — quieter, smoother, and less fatiguing overall. For fleet managers, a boost in drivability often translates to more efficient routes and higher productivity.
Electric Vehicles Available at Rush Truck Centers
Whether you’re looking to cut costs, hit your sustainability targets or stay ahead of new regulations, now is the start to making a plan to diversify your fleet with electric vehicles. From commercial trucks to cargo vans and school buses, the industry-leading brands Rush Truck Centers represents offer a variety of electric trucks and vehicles to meet your needs.
Our team of alternative power experts can work with you to better understand your current and future needs and help determine the options that make the best sense for your fleet. Contact us today to request an evaluation of your fleet, and speak with our experts about how Rush Truck Centers can help you reach your electrification goals.
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