For years, long-range electric trucks seemed impossible. But much has changed in a short time. Rapid improvements to batteries and chargers mean battery electric trucks are already viable for urban and short-range trucks. In December, battery-electric and hybrid trucks outsold conventional trucks in China for the first time.

Australia relies heavily on road freight. Trucks move more than 250 billion tonne-kilometres of goods each year. Most run on diesel, which has to be imported.

That’s now become a problem. The war on Iran has triggered spiking oil prices and warnings of fuel shortages. Trucking goods will get more expensive, pushing up the cost of food, consumer products and construction materials.

For trucking fleet managers, this is both crisis and opportunity. Some will wonder whether it’s time to go from trialling electric trucks to deployment. Cheaper running costs are one drawcard for going electric – but there are others. As a manager involved in a trial told the ABC:

I was sceptical at the start. I still love proper diesel trucks. But this thing was light years ahead. It was significantly faster uphill, kept up with traffic easily, and the torque delivery was immediate.

I was sceptical at the start. I still love proper diesel trucks. But this thing was light years ahead. It was significantly faster uphill, kept up with traffic easily, and the torque delivery was immediate.

What’s wrong with diesel?

Until the 1960s, most of Australia’s freight was carried by train. After that, trucking started to take over.

These days, diesel trucks dominate due to their high power, long range and quick........

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