Greensburg, In. — Automakers throughout the world are growing the market for electric-powered vehicles. In the past few months, several companies announced plans to develop electric semi-trucks. Living in the Crossroads of America, this innovation is bound to have an impact on Hoosiers. While these electric trucks could be a smart, environmentally friendly innovation, they also present many questions for the future of the trucking industry and what that means for Indiana’s infrastructure.
Cummins, Tesla and Daimler, just to name a few, have already developed electric truck prototypes. With Cummins based right here in Indiana, we are presented with the opportunity to watch this new technology emerge.
These trucks are unlikely to impact the commercial trucking industry for a few more years, at least. Right now the prototypes are not ready to make long hauls but this is expected to change in the coming years as technology improves. With the development of electric vehicles showing no signs of slowing down, Hoosiers should prepare for this and expect to be sharing the roads with more electric vehicles in the future.
Since these electric trucks are still in development, it is unclear how exactly they will run for long distances. The few charging stations already along our highways are not currently suited for these large vehicles. Some will use massive batteries that can be swapped out while others have suggested combining a battery with a diesel-powered generator.
The industry may not be ready to jump at the opportunity for electrification right now, but change is coming. Many are already considering possible solutions to the many questions we can expect to face in the future with this technology.
As always, please contact me with questions or input at 317-234-3827 or by email at [email protected]. I appreciate hearing from you in order to better represent our district. Stay up-to-date with the work being done at the Statehouse by signing up to receive my email updates at www.in.gov/h67.
