# Electric Semi Trucks Pledge for a Greener Future

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/07/electric-semi-trucks-pledge-for-a-greener-future/
- Published: 2020-07-07T00:49:24-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

Industries worldwide depend on reliable services from semi-trucks. Therefore, they
want to keep up with the demand for the products they offer. Unfortunately, for 
the environment, those very semi-trucks that we rely on daily to deliver our groceries.
Emissions and particulate matter are too much!  In addition, electrical supplies
and gadgets, clothing and other merchandise. Now they don’t get very many miles 
for every gallon of fuel they use. As well, and more interesting, they also account
for over half the deadly pollutants that leave a carbon footprint. As well as greenhouse
gases, in our atmosphere.

#### Historical Perspective

To begin, since 1990, freight transport has seen a rapid growth. Seems like growth
of more than 50 percent. Analysts also expect growth to continue rapidly. So rapidly
that by the year 2050, it is expected to produce more global emissions than passenger
vehicles produce. Thanks to organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency
and the Department of Energy. They created large programs have been implemented 
to partner with the [trucking and transportation industry.](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/04/environmental-and-transportation-stakeholders-petition-public-service-commission-for-more-electric-vehicle-infrastructure/)
They are working to set sites on using renewable energy.  In addition, they want
to go [green and gear up for electric](https://greenlivingguy.com/2007/08/motorcycle-electric-zero-x-fast-silent-green/)
trucks on the roadways.

### ![Electric semi trucks](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/image-46-e1535764248125.jpg?resize=268%2C151&quality=52&ssl=1 "image-46 - The Green Living Guy")

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

#### **SmartWay**

So let’s take a look at the programs these organizations have introduced the trucking
and freight industry. Firstly, the Environmental Protection Agency started the [SmartWay Program](https://www.epa.gov/smartway/learn-about-smartway).
This program partners with trucking companies to improve logistics.  All in order
to cut down on the carbon footprint left on the environment. So thanks to this program
and the efforts of the EPA to bring awareness to transport companies like [A-1 Auto Transport.](https://www.a1autotransport.com/a-1-auto-transport-becomes-smartway-transport-partner-with-sif-score-1-25/)
Seems they have taken strides to make a change. Also to go green by implementing
green technology and raising awareness of how businesses can do their part to [save the environment](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/03/6-simple-things-you-can-do-to-save-the-planet/).

SmartWay works to show how trucking companies can help the environment. All by using
fuel-saving technologies to help reduce the overall fuel usage and emissions put
out by freight trucks each year. In addition, they work with companies to help them
find better strategies for operations, logistics and transport to help improve the
environment.

#### **SuperTruck Initiative**

Furthermore, the Department of Energy (DoE) started the SuperTruck Initiative to
work with companies to help get them on the track to being more fuel efficient. 
USDOE has  worked with companies to develop new breakthrough technologies. Technologies
for advanced combustion engines, better aerodynamics. As well as lighter materials
to help cut down on the amount of fuel used. Which means, they are currently working
on advanced technologies to further reduce the amount of fuel used in the trucking
industry over the next decade. Hence, the goal is to eventually have all trucks 
on the roadways utilizing the technology.  Thereby to [cut down on oil](https://greenlivingguy.com/2008/12/oil-prices-up-on-talk-of-opec-cut/)
usage by around 300 million barrels each year. This would not only help cut down
on the carbon footprint, as we know.  Yet, it would help truck operators save nearly
$20,000 annually on the cost of fuel.

So the Department of Energy offered trucking companies a commitment to match them
up to $20 million for working on advanced technologies to lower their carbon footprint.
Peterbilt and other companies have since used those funds to develop new fuel-efficient
technologies including hybridization and electric engine components for semi-trucks.

### **Tesla**

[Tesla](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/03/rocket-man-explore-elon-musks-wisdom-on-innovation-and-business/)
is well-known. Especially in the electric vehicle sector. However, they are now 
gearing up for the [electric Semi](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/10/jaguar-i-pace-sets-ev-record-lap-time-at-weathertech-raceway-laguna-seca/)
truck market too. They are marketing their semi-truck as the safest, most comfortable
truck ever and from its appearance.  Crazy thing: it may be just that.

First of all, the [Tesla electric](https://greenlivingguy.com/2007/03/electric-cars-the-next-big-thing/)
semi can travel between 300 and 500 miles on a full charge and can save up to $200,000
in fuel costs annually. What a savings! Therefore, the truck also features an enhanced
autopilot to help avoid roadway collisions and places the driver in a center seat
to allow for the best visibility when driving.

As well, with an expected base price of $150,000, this truck will pay for itself.
That’s as a result of fuel savings alone. That’s in just under two years of ownership.
On average, long distance truckers in the United States spend around $70,000 on 
fuel annually. While the Tesla electric semi-truck will cut down on the cost of 
fuel, it will also cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. For truckers who are still
in regular diesel fueled trucks, they try to save. Truckers decrease driving speeds
to 65 mph and avoid sudden acceleration. Yet that only with braking can help lower
emissions by at least 25 percent.

#### Customers? We Got Customers!

[Tesla’s semi-truck](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/11/tesla-now-goes-semi-roads/)
is expected to go into production by 2019 and the company is already taking reservations
for the Tesla semi now.  Here are the companies who have already placed their orders
to purchase the Tesla electric semi-trucks:

 1.  [Anheuser-Busch](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/05/8-ways-students-can-save-the-environment/)
 2.  Walmart
 3.  Ryder
 4.  Pepsi
 5.  Sysco
 6.  Freedom
 7.  Loblaw
 8.  Meijer
 9.  DHL
 10. UPS
 11. J.B. Hunt
 12. Best Transportation
 13. Giretka Logistics
 14. Mecca and Son Trucking
 15. Asko
 16. Flexport
 17. JK Moving

_Finally, auto manufacturers are taking strides to develop new technology advancing
electric semi-trucks.  Now to merge them onto the roadways globally.  Seems like
it won’t take long for them to have trucking and transport companies lined up.  
In order to take possession of their new electric trucks. While it will take time
to fully develop the new trucks, these small steps are necessary.  Likewise, the
free market will lead others to take steps to make necessary changes.  In conclusion,
to take steps toward a greener future for the trucking industry._

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
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Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
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