This study evaluates the potential for replacing conventional heavy-duty trucks and buses with battery-electric alternatives using vehicle simulations informed by European Research and Innovation projects. Public project data were used to quantify the impact of improvements in aerodynamics, rolling resistance, auxiliary systems, electric motor efficiency, gearbox optimisation, battery capacity, and photovoltaic integration. Simulations show that proper battery sizing is required to provide sufficient driving range under reference conditions to cover at least one standard driver operating shift. Reference vehicles were based on representative newly registered conventional models, with electric powertrains sized according to current battery-electric vehicles. Without additional upgrades, rigid trucks require 360 kWh and tractor-trailers 779 kWh to complete daily missions. Rigid and articulated buses meet daily requirements with 449 kWh and 677 kWh, but sizing could be adjusted according to the charging patterns. Maximum energy consumption reductions reached 19%–23% for trucks and 21%–29% for buses relative to electric reference vehicles. Sensitivity analysis identified aerodynamics as the dominant factor for trucks, and rolling resistance and gearbox optimisation for buses, while battery capacity remained the primary driver of range. Least-invasive technology combinations enabled up to 20% energy savings and 75% range increases for rigid trucks, and up to 15% energy savings with 50% range gains for articulated buses and tractor-trailers. The techno-economic assessment indicates that large-scale electrification depends on battery cost reductions, cost-effective charging infrastructure, and smart energy management.
Zacharof et al. (Thu,) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: