Automation and electrification in long-haul trucking cuts urban health and environmental damages,’<\/a> found that combining electric trucks and automation could save more than $500m in environmental costs each year.<\/p>\nLead author\u00a0Parth Vaishnav, assistant professor at the U-M 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\u2014things that are feasible in the near term\u2014and assesses their environmental benefits.”<\/p>\n
Benefits of electric trucks and automation<\/h3>\n The decision to focus on automation and electrification stems from the complementary nature of these innovations.<\/p>\n
While electrification is feasible for shorter routes, challenges arise for longer distances due to current battery technology limitations.<\/p>\n
Conversely, automation excels in interstates but faces hurdles within urban environments.<\/p>\n
By amalgamating automation for highway driving with electrification for urban segments, the study aimed to target areas where tailpipe pollution poses the most significant threat to public health.<\/p>\n
The investigation identified significant reductions in air pollution and greenhouse gas damage by adopting automation and electric trucks.<\/p>\n
For routes below 300 miles, electric trucks alone can slash air pollution and greenhouse gas damages by 13%, translating to a saving of $587m annually.<\/p>\n
On longer routes exceeding 300 miles, electrification of urban segments through hub-based automation of highway driving can yield a remarkable 35% reduction in damages, amounting to $220m annually.<\/p>\n
Vaishnav explained that the integration of both technologies offers a synergistic approach to address the challenges posed by long-haul trucking.<\/p>\n
Surprising discoveries<\/h3>\n Vaishnav acknowledged a common concern regarding the trade-off between battery size and truck efficiency.<\/p>\n
However, the study reveals that this efficiency penalty is minimal, around 3%, signifying a promising outlook for standardised battery sizes without compromising performance.<\/p>\n
Policy implications<\/h3>\n In light of the Biden administration’s focus on heavy truck regulations, the study emphasises the outsized benefits of electrification even with existing technology.<\/p>\n
However, realising these benefits of electric trucks hinges on the development of a robust charging infrastructure<\/a> and grid reinforcement tailored to trucking needs.<\/p>\nFurthermore, 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 challenges.<\/p>\n
The University of Michigan’s study underscores the transformative potential of integrating automation and electrification in long-haul trucking.<\/p>\n
By strategically targeting routes and leveraging existing technologies, significant strides can be made in reducing urban health impacts and environmental damages associated with freight transportation.<\/p>\n
As policymakers navigate the landscape of heavy truck regulations, the study offers valuable insights into harnessing innovation to build a sustainable and efficient trucking industry.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A study has highlighted that combining automation and electric trucks can mitigate urban health impacts and environmental damages.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":46688,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[24425],"tags":[24404,24229],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
Electric trucks could cut over $500m in environmental costs<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n