The future of trucking: How electric and autonomous trucks are transforming the industry
Trucks are becoming the essence of modern economies. Why? Well every product you see in the shelves, whether it’s electronics or groceries, it’s probably travelled by truck at some point. Trucks help transport goods from different parts of the world and they keep the economy alive.
But, the trucking industry has been going through significant changes. As technology develops, industries need to keep up the pace and implement these technologies to advance their business. What exactly does that mean for the trucking industry?
Well, with new eco-friendly vehicles on the rise, trucks are getting a new look and feel. These heavy and cumbersome vehicles are transforming into electric and autonomous trucks, making them more efficient and safe.
Of course, it’s impossible to expect that all trucking companies will immediately switch to electric vehicles. It’s not the most affordable vehicle after all.
In this blog post we’ll explore the transformation of trucks and also take a look at what awaits drivers in the trucking industry.
Electric trucks: A clean and quiet revolution
Electric trucks are steadily moving out of the testing phase and into commercial fleets. In 2018, electric vehicles accounted for 5% of total cars sold only for that number to rise to 22% in 2023.
Industry giants like Tesla, Volvo, Freightliner, and Rivian are introducing fully electric trucks that are designed for everything from local deliveries to long-haul freight. This transition marks a dramatic departure from traditional diesel engines, bringing with it significant advantages for businesses and the environment alike.
One of the most obvious benefits of electric trucks is their environmental impact. These vehicles produce zero emissions, meaning that these vehicles don’t contribute to air and noise pollution as standard diesel trucks..
Cities fighting traffic and poor air quality will benefit enormously from quieter, cleaner trucks delivering goods without the usual diesel fumes and the notorious engine roar.
Business advantages of electric vehicles
Beyond their environmental appeal, electric trucks also offer practical business advantages. They are more affordable in the long term. They have lower fuel costs, as electricity is typically cheaper than diesel on a per-mile basis.
Their engines contain fewer moving parts which means you won’t have to invest as much in maintenance. So, even though these vehicles cost more, you’ll actually save money in the long run as they’ll save you many fuel and maintenance fees.
Electric trucks in practice
In the real world, major companies are already embracing this shift. PepsiCo has begun using Tesla’s electric semi trucks to transport goods to distribution centers.
Amazon has placed a massive order for electric delivery vans from Rivian.
UPS and FedEx are both experimenting with electric fleets in urban areas. These early adopters are proving that electric trucking is not just a concept—it’s a viable, cost-effective solution for modern logistics.
However, it doesn’t mean that electric trucks are without any challenges. One major obstacle is the charging infrastructure. Unlike passenger electric vehicles, heavy-duty trucks require powerful chargers to support long-haul routes.
More charging stations are a necessity and hopefully as the popularity of electric trucks continues to rise, local governments will put more effort into proper architecture.
The advantages of autonomous trucks
While electric trucks address sustainability, autonomous trucks are revolutionizing logistics through automation. The rise of self-driving trucks responds to two key industry challenges: the ongoing driver shortage and the demand for safer, more efficient transport.
Truck accidents happen frequently around the US and the consequences of these accidents are quite difficult for the victims. Many injured parties are also forced to turn to truck accident lawyers in order to get help with all the legal complexities that a truck accident involves.
Luckily, with autonomous vehicles, the number of those accidents could be significantly reduced.
How autonomous trucks work
Autonomous trucks use artificial intelligence, radar, lidar, cameras, and sensors to perceive their surroundings and make driving decisions without human intervention. The potential benefits are significant.
Unlike truck drivers, autonomous trucks don’t need to rest, allowing for continuous operation and dramatically improving delivery times.
They could also reduce accidents, since human error is the main cause of collisions on the road. These trucks follow programmed rules strictly, don’t get distracted or fatigued, and can respond to hazards with machine precision.
Financially, removing or reducing the need for a driver could also lower operational costs for trucking companies.
When will autonomous trucks become fully autonomous
Although the technology is progressing quickly, fully driverless trucks are not yet commonplace. Most systems being tested today still rely on a human operator as a safety backup, particularly in complex environments like city traffic or changing weather conditions.
Autonomous trucks are currently best suited for highway driving, where conditions are more predictable and controlled.
Legal and regulatory hurdles are another factor slowing widespread adoption. Different states have different laws regarding self-driving vehicles, and there is still a great deal of uncertainty about liability and safety protocols.
As with any new piece of technology, the legal intricacies still need to be thought out and written down.
Public perception is also a barrier, as many people remain skeptical or uneasy about sharing the road with vehicles without drivers.
It’s not that easy to get used to seeing vehicles driving autonomously on the road. It will take some time.
The bottom line
Trucking is entering a new era, an era defined by innovation and sustainability. Electric and autonomous trucks are not just futuristic concepts, they are real and are slowly reshaping deliveries and logistics.
Though challenges remain, from infrastructure and regulations to public trust and technical limitations, the direction is clear and trucks will definitely continue to support the US economy.
Companies that adapt to these changes early will not only gain a competitive edge but also contribute to a more efficient and environmentally responsible future.