Submitted by Sorin61 t3_z5z70h in technology
DBDude t1_iy0zwf7 wrote
Reply to comment by aintbroke_dontfixit in Renault's heavy electric trucks are now available to order by Sorin61
Does driving large military trucks count? Stop and go is hell on trucks. You spend fuel accelerating tons of load, and then you wear your brakes decelerating. Electric trucks spend charge accelerating and then regain about 70% of it decelerating. This isn’t a huge advantage for long haulers, but those who drive in or near cities in heavy traffic benefit.
Truckers especially worry about total cost, of which fuel is only a part. Oil changes, etc., cost money, as does the regular replacement of wearable parts like brakes. Electrics have little maintenance, you mainly need to replace tires just like in a diesel truck.
aintbroke_dontfixit t1_iy23mu4 wrote
> Does driving large military trucks count?
No because it bears next to fuck all resemblance to civilian driving. I passed my test at ASMT Leconfield when I was in REME and I was posted there so I'm fully aware of how military HGV drivers are trained. I also remember making the transition to civilian driving and realising pretty much everything I was taught other than to pass the test was worthless. I'm guessing you know what ASMT Leconfield is.
> You spend fuel accelerating tons of load, and then you wear your brakes decelerating.
Army drivers might but modern civilian trucks come with engine braking that's capable of holding a 44 tonne lorry at a set speed going down a relatively steep hill. You use that to slow down and the brakes to bring it to a final stop.
> Truckers especially worry about total cost
No we don't because we're not paying the bills. Our employers might but unless there's a fuel bonus to be had we generally don't give a shit.
> Electrics have little maintenance
Oh my sweet summer child. That may be true for a car but not a 44 tonne lorry. The suspension and steering will still be taking a hammering. It will still be required to have six weekly safety checks here in the UK.
> you mainly need to replace tires just like in a diesel truck.
Tell that to all the Tesla Model S owners from 2012-13 where 2/3 of the motors failed by 60,000 miles.
Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments