Driving the Future: EV Prime Mover Trial
The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is not just a change in technology but also a new experience for drivers on the road.
In our latest trial of electric Heavy Goods Vehicle (eHGV), our drivers managed to drive SANY eHGV for a week.
Let’s hear what one of our drivers has to say about this trial.
Experience Comparison: eHGV vs Diesel Prime Mover
Q: How does driving an electric prime mover differ from driving a diesel one?
There is no diesel smell from the running engine and noise compared to the usual ICE exhaust.
Q: What was your first impression when you first drove the electric truck?
It is quieter in the cabin due to lesser noise from the engine, making it safer to drive as I will can hear more outside sound.
Performance and Handling
Q: How does the acceleration and handling of the electric truck compare to a diesel truck?
The pick up acceleration of the electric prime mover is faster compared to the diesel truck.
Comfort and Convenience
Q: How do you find the charging process compared to refuelling a diesel truck?
It is simple to use and less messy. Most of the time when we top up diesel the nozzle is always oily and dirty, we will need to use gloves to prevent dirtying our hands.
However, using EV charging points may be challenging due to shortage of suitable charging stations for eHGVs.
Operational Efficiency
Q: What are your thoughts on the truck's range and the availability of charging stations?
The distance covered for each charge is reasonable for a local trucker. But, the current charging system island wide is only suitable for car and small trucks.
Environmental Impact of using a eHGV
Q: How does it feel to drive a vehicle that produces zero tailpipe emissions, and do you believe that electric trucks can significantly contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of the logistics industry?
It feels quite amazing, as it is the first time I am driving an EV in my 20 years of driving experience. Yes, I do believe that electric trucks can significantly contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of the logistics industry.
Overall Impression
Q: What are the biggest advantages you’ve noticed while driving the electric truck?
As a prime mover drive in Singapore there is always a lot of queuing up for loading and offloading. During the waiting can cause many unwanted noise and pollution. With eHGVs the noise pollution can be greatly reduced.
Q: Are there any challenges or areas for improvement you think should be addressed in future eHGVs models?
Due to the huge size of the prime mover may not suitable for many charging stations. I hope there will be battery swap stations available in the future.
Q: How was it like being one of the first few drivers to drive an eHGV on the road? What are the comments you received from your fellow truckers?
I can see many same trade drivers amazed by my truck, many of them come take a photo. Whenever I stop by for toilet break or to buy my lunch there is always a lot of curious passerby checking out my truck.
What is the Future of Trucking?
Alvin Ea, Co-Founder, of Haulio shared his thoughts on the future trucking with electrification.
Q: In your opinion, how will the adoption of electric trucks impact the future of the trucking industry?
Electrification of the haulage industry will be a major step towards supporting the decarbonisation efforts and targets setup by many of the global leading manufacturers (BCOs) and Logistics Service Providers (LSPs).
Haulio aims to be at the frontier of this shift and the key driver to enabling the industry with the capabilities to adopt the eHGV Prime Movers in a commercially and operationally sustainable way. Drivers will be well trained and equipped to handle EV PMs and ensure safety compliance with a refreshed standards for the industry.
Q: What role do you see for electric trucks in promoting sustainability in logistics?
For a start, the industry is lacking awareness of the carbon emissions output from their diesel fleet that is being operated today. More importantly, this adoption of eHGVs shall lead to the need for proper capturing of the previous input to then bringing tangible numbers for the target reduction for the decarbonisation plans of the cargo owners/LSPs.
Benefits of EV Trucking
- Reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90% with clean-energy trucking.
- Align your business with the SG Green Plan.
- Understand your carbon footprint better.
Interested to find out more about how you can electrify your trucking operations for a greener environment?
