Haulage is big business, but the running costs of these huge semi-trucks can also be big. But now, with the help of Siemens, haulage companies all over the world could soon be about to save thousands of dollars with the introduction of electric trucks that have an unlimited range.
For those that work in the haulage industry or own a big truck themselves, they know only too well that the running costs of these vehicles are not cheap and would welcome any suggestion of ways to save money. To use the standard electric/hybrid channels used in cars to try and make a semi-truck move just 500 miles would require a $2 million hydrogen fuel tank and a lithium-ion battery that would weigh over 20 tonnes. This is just not practical in any way, shape or form, so researchers delved deeper into our history to discover a more efficient way and re-discovered the use of catenary.
Catenaries are overhead electrical wires that were first used in the 1800’s to power trains and street cars and engineers believe that they can be adapted to provide energy efficient solution for haulage companies that will essential offer an unlimited range. The new technology will enable trucks to recharge on the go while operating on batter power and experts say they can kit out Germany for electric hauling with as little as 4,000km of electrical wire.
This new development could save consumers and companies over $200 billion over the next 30 years if implemented correctly. With the technology already developed, it is all systems go and Siemens have already teamed up with both Volvo and Scania as well as other organizations and governments and trial trucks are being launched in Sweden very soon with LA and Long Beach soon to follow!
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