Electric trucks are among the slowest growing EV markets. This is because key challenges of costs, battery degradation and operational efficiency overshadow the benefits of electrification.
Battery swapping technology is a possible solution to these challenges to jumpstart growth in the electric truck market. It improves the lifespan of batteries, eliminates charging times and brings significant efficiency benefits.
In this article, we dive into battery swapping technology and how it can solve the challenges of truck electrification.
Electric truck sales are extremely low in most regional markets. Just under 2000 electric trucks were sold across the entire European Union in 2022. This can be attributed to the challenges that are yet to be solved when compared to their combustion engine counterparts.
Electric trucks pose a significant upfront cost for logistics businesses. This is usually seen as an investment with the long-term benefit of eliminating the costs tied to fossil fuels. However, this benefit is quickly replaced by frequent battery replacement and maintenance costs instead.
The constant use and long distances travelled by trucks result in increased battery degradation when compared to other EV markets. This is compounded by the reliance on fast-charging solutions as they further accelerate degradation. All in all, electric trucks currently bring inevitable operation costs that overshadow the benefits of electrification.
Another key barrier in the way of widespread truck electrification are charging times and its impact on operational efficiency. It takes approximately 1.5 hours for a standard truck loaded with a 300 kWh battery to be fully charged, even with fast charging.
The long charging times of electric trucks clash with the need for efficiency in modern logistics. This is compounded by the limited driving range of these trucks when compared to combustion engine models. More charging and stops are needed to meet the requirements of long-haul distances, making it undesirable for most businesses.
Battery swapping, as its name suggests, describes dedicated infrastructure and designs that enable the rapid swapping of batteries instead of charging. Battery swapping stations (BSSs) can provide a depleted truck with a fully charged battery in approximately 2-5 minutes.
BSS infrastructure has seen widespread implementation in regions across China, with the government launching pilot programs to promote their use. This has resulted in 90% of electric truck sales being in China through the benefits presented by battery swapping infrastructure.
To successfully integrate battery swapping infrastructure, electric trucks need dedicated and high-performance components to take full advantage of the technology. With lower grade components, there is a risk of battery degradation and a loss of efficiency.
A key example is with reliable relays and contactors that enable the safe disconnection and connection of batteries. They protect surrounding components and the battery from high-voltage surges to maximise efficiency and battery lifespan. With the integration of these components and dedicated BSS infrastructure, battery swapping can lead the charge of truck electrification in western regions.
Truck electrification is seeing little growth in most western regions due to the challenges in the way of efficiency. Fortunately, battery swapping infrastructure and technology can help overcome these challenges with the addition of high-performance components.
At Dalroad, we provide a wide catalogue of EV components that showcase the best-in-class of performance, reliability and functionality. Our team of engineers and specialists can help you in arriving at the right components for your design to maximise efficiency.
To find out more about our components and get support for your design, contact a member of our team today.
