Electric trucks could save more than $500 million in environmental costs

A University of Michigan study has highlighted the potential of combining automation and electric trucks to reduce the urban health impacts and environmental damage associated with long-distance trucking.

The study, “Automation and electrification in long-haul trucking reduces damage to urban health and the environment,” found that the combination of electric trucks and automation could save more than $500 million in environmental costs each year.

Lead author Parth Vaishnav, assistant professor at the UM School for Environment and Sustainability, explained: “It’s the first study we know of that simultaneously studies a realistic model of automation and a realistic model of electrification – things that are achievable in the short term – and assesses its benefits for the environment.”

Benefits of electric trucks and automation

The decision to focus on automation and electrification stems from the complementary nature of these innovations.

While electrification is feasible for shorter routes, challenges arise for longer distances due to current limitations of battery technology.

Conversely, automation excels on highways but faces hurdles in urban environments.

By combining automation for highway driving with electrification for urban segments, the study aimed to target areas where tailpipe pollution poses the greatest threat to public health.

The research revealed significant reductions in air pollution and greenhouse gas damage with the adoption of automation and electric trucks.

For routes of less than 500 kilometers, electric trucks alone can reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas damage by 13%, translating into savings of $587 million per year.

On longer routes of more than 500 kilometers, electrification of urban segments through hub-based highway traffic automation could deliver a remarkable 35% damage reduction, equivalent to $220 million per year.

Vaishnav explained that the integration of both technologies provides a synergistic approach to addressing the challenges of long-haul freight transportation.

Surprising discoveries

Vaishnav recognized a common concern regarding the trade-off between battery size and truck efficiency.

However, the research shows that this efficiency loss is minimal, around 3%, which means promising prospects for standardized battery sizes without sacrificing performance.

Policy implications

In light of the Biden administration’s focus on heavy-duty truck regulations, the study highlights the outsized benefits of electrification, even with existing technology.

However, realizing these benefits of electric trucks depends on developing a robust charging infrastructure and grid reinforcement that is tailored to the needs of trucking.

Additionally, the study suggests opportunities for regulatory and operational innovation, such as repurposing brownfield sites for trucking infrastructure, demonstrating the potential for creative solutions to address environmental issues.

The University of Michigan research underlines the transformative potential of integrating automation and electrification into long-haul trucking.

By strategically targeting routes and leveraging existing technologies, significant steps can be made in reducing the urban health impacts and environmental damage associated with freight transportation.

As policymakers navigate the heavy-duty truck regulatory landscape, the research provides valuable insights into leveraging innovation to build a sustainable and efficient trucking industry.