What Carbon Emissions have Electric Trucks saved over the last five years

Estimating the exact amount of carbon emissions saved by electric trucks globally over the past five years is a complex task due to varying adoption rates, regional differences in electricity sources, and differing efficiencies of electric trucks. However, using available data and reasonable assumptions, we can provide an approximation.

*Please note that we are using average values for all trucks as a collective to highlight the bigger picture. Trucks are those above 4500kg GVM

Adoption and Emissions Reduction Estimates

1. Electric Truck Adoption: According to various industry reports, the global number of electric trucks has been increasing steadily. For instance:

• In 2020, there were approximately 31,000 electric trucks on the road globally.

• By 2023, this number had increased significantly, with projections suggesting there could be around 300,000 to 400,000 electric trucks globally.

2. Annual Kilometer and Emissions:

• Average annual Kilometer for a heavy-duty truck is around 100,000 kilometers.

• Diesel trucks typically emit about 161.8 grams of CO2 per mile (EPA data).

3. Emissions Saved by Electric Trucks:

• A diesel truck would thus emit approximately 9.71 metric tons of CO2 per year (100,000 klm x 161.8 grams/klilometer ÷ 1,000,000 to convert grams to metric tons).

Using the above figures, we can estimate the cumulative emissions saved over five years:

Calculations

Year-by-Year Emissions Savings:

1. 2020:

• Number of electric trucks: 31,000

• Emissions saved per truck per year: 9.71 metric tons

• Total emissions saved: 31,000 trucks x 9.71 metric tons = 300,010 metric tons

2. 2021:

• Assuming growth to 75,000 trucks

• Emissions saved: 75,000 trucks x 9.71 metric tons = 728,250 metric tons

3. 2022:

• Assuming growth to 120,000 trucks

• Emissions saved: 120,000 trucks x 9.71 metric tons = 1,165,200 metric tons

4. 2023:

• Assuming growth to 180,000 trucks

• Emissions saved: 180,000 trucks x 9.71 metric tons = 1,747,800 metric tons

5. 2024:

• Assuming growth to 250,000 trucks

• Emissions saved: 250,000 trucks x 9.71 metric tons = 2,427,500 metric tons

Cumulative Total (2020-2024):

• Total emissions saved over five years:

• 300,010 + 728,250 + 1,165,200 + 1,747,800 + 2,427,500 = 6,368,760 metric tons of CO2

Context and Implications

This estimate suggests that the adoption of electric trucks has prevented the emission of approximately 6.37 million metric tons of CO2 over the last five years. This significant reduction illustrates the positive impact that electric trucks can have on global carbon emissions.

It’s important to note that this estimate is based on a simplified model and actual savings may vary based on factors such as regional electricity grids’ carbon intensity, real-world truck usage patterns, and the efficiency of different electric truck models. Nonetheless, the data highlights the substantial potential of electric trucks in contributing to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.