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Electric Revolution Hits Freight Industry
Major logistics companies are rolling out ambitious pilot programs testing zero-emission heavy-duty electric trucks. This industry-wide shift comes as battery costs have plummeted from $500/kWh in 2013 to just $137/kWh in 2020, making electric freight vehicles increasingly viable.
International Battery Swapping Initiative
An international consortium including Mitsubishi Motors announced a groundbreaking pilot starting September 2025. The program will deploy over 150 battery-swappable commercial EVs and 14 modular battery swapping stations. This innovative approach solves the long charging time problem by enabling 5-minute battery swaps instead of hours-long charging sessions.
Real-World Testing Expands
Beyond battery swapping, traditional manufacturers like Volvo, Renault, and MAN have begun series production of heavy-duty electric trucks. DPD in Switzerland already uses Futuricum Logistics 18E trucks with 680-kWh batteries achieving up to 760km range. 'We're seeing remarkable performance in urban settings where stop-and-go traffic actually regenerates battery power,' notes DPD's sustainability manager.
Market Adoption Accelerates
Norway leads adoption with 7.8% of heavy trucks (>16 tonnes) now electric, followed by Sweden at 6.5%. South Korea reached 7.6% electric truck market share in 2020. Challenges remain for long-haul routes where battery weight reduces payload capacity, but manufacturers are racing to develop lighter battery solutions.
The Road Ahead
These pilot programs will provide crucial data on real-world performance and charging infrastructure needs. With logistics accounting for nearly 10% of global emissions, industry leaders see electrification as essential for meeting climate targets. 'We're not just testing trucks - we're testing the future of sustainable freight,' commented a Mitsubishi project lead.
