FPInnovations is thrilled to share the final report from our Zero-Emission Trucking Testbed, developed in collaboration with Transport Canada.
This extensive study presents real-world data on the performance, costs, and usage of heavy-duty battery electric trucks in commercial service. The findings highlight the potential of electric trucks to transform Canada’s transportation industry by reducing emissions and energy consumption while providing valuable insights into operational realities.
Following more than 200 000 km of battery electric truck operation and data acquisition, Class 8 zero-emission trucks were found to consume over 60% less energy and emit at least 80% fewer greenhouse gases compared to diesel counterparts. These vehicles demonstrated strong performance under load and were generally preferred by drivers, although further efficiency gains could be achieved through enhanced driver and dispatcher training focused on range awareness and mileage optimization strategies. Daily operation averaged between 150 and 200 km, approximately half of the advertised range, a limitation attributed to factors such as true range, insufficient public charging infrastructure, uncertainty regarding daily route distances, variability in load and terrain, and seasonal fluctuations in energy consumption.
Compared to diesel trucks, battery electric trucks experienced greater downtime, with service, repair, and maintenance requiring longer completion times. An internal economic analysis was completed and indicated that, with government incentives, cost parity with diesel trucks over a 6‑year life cycle would require annual coverage of 74 000 km; however, in the absence of purchase and charging infrastructure incentives, achieving cost parity would necessitate 182 000 km per year.
Beginning in the new year, the PIT Group newsletter will publish monthly feature articles that examine these findings in detail, including performance, reliability, costs, and human factors. This series will provide ongoing updates on how zero-emission trucking is progressing in Canada.
Reach out to the PIT Group if you want to learn more, and stay tuned for more reports and articles on the results of this project in the coming months.
