Due to the competitive need to secure the largest share in the market, most vehicle manufacturers around the globe are investing in the production of cutting-edge electric vehicles. That is evidenced by the availability of autonomous electric cars on the roads across the world, such as Walmart’s cargo vans in the United States. Though most electric vehicles are small-sized, manufacturers are now developing cab-less autonomous trucks that are electric-powered. That marks a significant step in truck development. In this article, we are going to look at several manufacturers and their contribution to the development of cab-less autonomous-fully electric trucks.
The Cabless autonomous-fully electric truck developers
Despite the strict legal requirements governing the manufacturing of the autonomous electric-powered vehicle, the following companies have gone a step ahead towards designing it.
Einride
Einride was the first manufacturer to install a cab-less autonomous fully electric truck-Einride Pod (T-Pod) in public transport. Its introduction marked a significant achievement in the history of Einride company and global transport since it was the first energy-efficient and safe transport solution to the world. The T-Pod is designed to cut carbon emissions to the environment by over 89%. Immediately after its installation in 2018, the Einride T-pod was widely applied in transporting freight in ports and the logistic sector.
Due to its efficiency in observing the traffic regulations, the transport agency for Sweden authorized its application for expansion to the public sector. The permit was, however, limited to public roads within the production zones, from a terminal to a warehouse. T-pod was marked as the first autonomous-fully electric truck installation in world transport.
Volvo
Volvo presented a modern cab-less electric truck called Vera in the recent past, which is meant to provide a solution to the increased demand for freight drivers in commerce. The truck, which is still under development, will be solar-powered and thus friendly to the environment.
The trucking design features navigators, thus capable of predicting highways. It is able to tow up to 32 tons and is ideal for zones like logistic centers and ports. They give the vehicle the name Vera which signifies their faith in the future. Compared to the conventional trucks, Vera has a slower operating speed.
Tesla
Being a prominent manufacturer of electric vehicles, Tesla is at the forefront of introducing heavy-duty autonomous electric-powered semi-trucks to replace its long diesel guzzlers. The company is intending to introduce two autonomous all-electric semi-trucks with 500 and 300-mile ranges and a predictable price of $ 180000 and $ 150000, respectively.
Potential customers are guaranteed a 2-year payback, given the fuel savings and fewer management costs compared to diesel engines. The Teslas presentation of its semi-trucks features four Model 3-derived electric motors. You can, therefore, move at a speed of 60mph at 40 tons full load in 20 seconds. The semi-trucks will be channeled to freight transport in ports and eCommerce. This promises the potential for economic growth.
BYD
BYD is pioneering the development of autonomous all-electric trucks to address the rising demands in the short-haul freight movement departments. This includes America’s rail yards, ports, and logistics. The high demand is triggered by the need for a cost-effective method of propulsion with minimal adverse effects on the environment. Some of its recent developments include a terminal tractor, two models of autonomous electric-powered trucks, and class 6 trucks. BYD trucks have a rechargeable battery, which takes two hours to charge under direct current or 14 hours under the photovoltaic charging system. The company is making a significant impact on the growth of most companies in the US, especially in southern California, where the demand for BYD class 8 electric trucks is high.
Daimler
To cope with the technological revolution in electric vehicle manufacturing, Daimler has set foot in the development of autonomous electric-powered trucks. An excellent example of its attempts is Freightliner Cascadia-an all-electric 18 wheeler truck and the Freightliner eM2 106, all designed for local deliveries and distributions. The company is on the progress of developing an eM2 106-a cab-less electric-powered truck by 2021.
The bottom line
The Cab-Less Autonomous-Fully Electric truck will increase the efficiency in the global economy. It addresses the need for drivers in freight distribution, cuts energy costs, and reduces emissions to the environment by 90%. They have custom navigations to trace different routes in addition to their ability to carry wide loads. That being said, manufacturers in other sectors should invest in such trucks to cut down the production costs.