EV trucks & Productivity:
The GDP of NZ is closely linked with the KM travelled of light/industrial vehicles – See the ANZ Truckometer.
When we changed from horse & cart to petrol trucks in the 1920s we had a major productivity gain (and ironically cleaner streets from less horse waste).
Our change from diesel to electric will be more complicated:
Weight 🪨 :
– EV batteries are heavier, thus reducing freight carried per load. Gas hydrogen takes up more space, liquid hydrogen has cooling requirements (approx. -253°C)
– The electric vehicles we transport are getting heavier also.
Time ⌛ :
– Battery charging takes longer than diesel equivalent meaning more time off the road. Battery “swap-out” technology is currently woefully inadequate.
Diesel Progress 📈 :
– Euro VI diesel engines have made diesel more efficient & carbon neutral.
1 Truck in 1988 emits the same hydrocarbon particles as 51 trucks today.
Cost 💲 :
– Higher capital cost per truck for EV’s, 3.5x equivalents (with less capacity & more time off-road).
New Zealand is currently struggling to keep up with OECD productivity standards as it is. With our GPD tied to truck movements, what will happen when we change to Electric vehicles and have a productivity loss AND a cost increase?
The change is happening, so we have to get on board, but how do we prepare for the challenges coming our way?
Check out what we are doing on our sustainability page
