charging heavy vehicles

Charging heavy vehicles is very important for the promotion of electric trucks and buses, promoting more environmentally friendly transportation. It is a special infrastructure that supports fast and efficient charging, reduces emissions and operating costs, and at the same time ensures smooth and uninterrupted operation in the logistics and public transport sectors.

Types of large vehicles :

A variety of modes of transport fall into the category of heavy vehicles, including trucks, public buses, vans, garbage trucks, concrete mixers and industrial machinery such as aerial work platforms (EWPs). The operating pattern and charging requirements vary by type. For example, long-distance trucks need fast and frequent charging options because of their long travel distances, while city buses and vans can be charged overnight at depots.

Charging technology

AC charging: AC charging is most commonly used in passenger cars, but large vehicles can also benefit from it in low-power scenarios. This is the process of recharging the vehicle's battery by converting alternating current from the mains to direct current. AC charging is a slow approach, but it is suitable for vehicles that can be charged overnight at depots, such as vans and buses.

Wireless charging: An inductive charging pad that can charge the vehicle without a physical cable can be installed on the highway or depot. Wireless charging technology is still in the early stages of development, but it offers the possibility of automated and convenient charging. By allowing the bus to gradually charge at each stop, you can significantly improve the urban transportation system.

DC Fast Charging: DC fast charging can provide higher power consumption and reduce charging time, so it is the best solution for heavier cars. The DC charger's output power ranges from 50kW to 350kW and above, making it ideal for heavy commercial vehicles that require fast charging. There are currently plans to develop ultra-fast chargers that deliver a higher level of performance and reduce charging time from hours to minutes.

Charging Infrastructure

Loading Depot: Heavy vehicles often return to the central depot at the end of the driving cycle. Most farms are equipped with high power DC chargers, so the vehicle can be charged overnight or during certain breaks. This requires extensive planning and organization, but it ensures effective charging of each vehicle and is ready if necessary.

Charging on the go : For vans and buses, charging on the go is very efficient. By installing high-performance chargers and wireless charging pads at bus stops, lamps and designated parking lots, you can quickly supply energy to your vehicle all day long, reducing the need for a longer charging process.

Public charging stations: The establishment of public charging infrastructure for heavy vehicles is absolutely necessary, especially along the main routes. These stations need the ability to accommodate larger vehicles and provide powerful charging facilities. Ideally, these stations should be placed so that downtime is limited and the vehicle can exit the route without running out of cargo.

Grid effect: Large vehicles require a lot of power, so it is difficult to integrate charging infrastructure into the power grid. Energy management programs and smart grid technology are essential to mitigate the impact on the grid. These systems can utilize energy storage options or schedule off-peak charging to maximize energy efficiency, balance loads and reduce peak load costs.

Vehicle and Charger Requirements

Battery size in kWh units: Compared with passenger cars, large vehicles have larger batteries, usually from 100kWh to more than 500kWh, depending on the type and application of the vehicle. Small heavy vehicles such as vans typically have a battery of 55 to 90 kWh, while local buses range from 2019 to 2022 based on data from 225 to 345 kWh.

Maximum allowable DC power: The maximum DC power that a large vehicle can accommodate varies, but is generally between 150kW and 500kW. To choose a compatible charger, it is important to understand this feature.

Charging speed: DC fast charger greatly reduces charging time compared to AC charger. For example, a 350kW DC fast charger can charge a 500kWh battery up to 1% in about 80 hours, while an AC charger takes several hours to achieve the same.

Range at full load: The range of heavy vehicles at full load is different. For example, an electric truck can have a range of 240-480 kilometers when fully charged, depending on factors such as battery size, charging weight and operating conditions.

Specifications for large vehicles

Port location : When planning a charging station, it is important to take into account the differences in port location. There may be connectors on the side, rear, or front of the car.

Vehicle length and size: Heavy vehicles require a lot of space for charging, especially in urban areas and depots, which affects the design and placement of charging stations.

Charging location: The charging infrastructure should take into account the different vehicle orientations. Certain configurations may require drive-through charging stations, but other parking lots and reverse charging stations are used. Use

Vans : Electric vans can be charged all night at depots and public charging stations, so they are perfect for last mile or city delivery routes.

Delivery vehicles for last mile: Similar to vans, delivery vehicles for last mile are suitable for regular short distances and can use facilities loading at depots on the go or overnight.

Garbage trucks and concrete mixers: These heavy vehicles often cover predictable routes and timetables, making them ideal for loading large-capacity DC depots.This will prepare you for daily driving.

EWPs (High Work Platform): By supplying power, these vehicles used in construction and maintenance areas can be charged overnight or during construction site downtime.

Powertrain and Rigid electric vehicles: Heavy commercial vehicles with large battery capacity and fast charging options, as well as rigid electric vehicles, are needed for long-distance transportation. Public large capacity charging stations along crowded traffic routes will help these trucks.

Advantages of large vehicles

Environmental impact: The electrification of heavy trucks will significantly reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Heavy vehicles, driven mainly by diesel engines, emit high concentrations of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. Switching to electricity will promote global efforts in the fight against climate change and contribute to improving air quality.

Energy Security: Reducing dependence on fossil fuels is a necessary step towards improving energy security. Many resources can be used to generate energy, including renewable sources such as solar and wind. This diversity helps reduce vulnerability to changes in oil prices and the impact of geopolitical unrest on oil supplies. In addition, local production of renewable energy will help reduce dependence on foreign fuels.

Operating costs: Compared with diesel vehicles, the operating costs of heavy electric vehicles are lower. In general, electricity is cheaper than diesel fuel, so electric motors have fewer moving parts and require less maintenance. Electric vehicles can reduce the total cost of ownership, especially when long-term fuel and maintenance savings are taken into account.

Meet the challenge

High purchase costs: While the purchase price of large electric vehicles and the infrastructure needed to charge them can be expensive, these cars are becoming increasingly financially profitable due to various incentives, subsidies, and lower battery costs. Government and industry participants are working together to provide financial support to cover these upfront costs.

Infrastructure Development: Building a large and reliable charging network requires significant financial effort and cooperation between several organizations, including power companies, governments and private companies. To cover increased electricity demand,

Battery technology: Problems with batteries currently include weight, limited charging time and range limitations. In order for a heavier car to reach the required range, a large battery is needed, but this can lead to a significant increase in weight and a decrease in charging capacity. To overcome these limitations, constant improvements in battery chemistry, energy density and fast charging capacity are needed.

Grid capacity: The additional power required to charge large vehicles can put strain on the capacity of the current electric system. Modernization of grid infrastructure, integration of renewable energy sources and implementation of intelligent charging systems are necessary measures to solve this problem , (vehicle-to-grid) technology and energy storage systems can contribute to efficient grid demand management.

Innovation of the Future

Ultra-fast charging: The development of ultra-fast charging technology that can deliver more than 500kW of power will further reduce charging times and make the operation of heavy electric vehicles more realistic over long distances.These upgrades will enable significantly faster charging than before and improve the operation efficiency of large vehicles.

(Vehicle-to-Grid) technology: By using v2G technology to return energy to the grid, electric vehicles can increase grid stability and provide flexible energy storage options. Large capacity vehicles, especially heavy vehicles, can be very useful for V2G applications by balancing energy supply and demand.

Battery replacement: The battery replacement station can replace the empty battery for several minutes with the fully charged ones, saving time when charging. For larger vehicles, this strategy addresses the problem of longer charging times and longer ranges without the need for longer stops.

Automatic electric vehicles: The combination of electric heavy vehicles and autonomous driving technology has the potential to revolutionize public transportation and logistics. Autonomous electric trucks and buses have the potential to improve routes, reduce operating costs and improve safety. The combination of autonomy and electrification is promising for the future development of transport.

Renewable energy integration: Charging stations can be combined with renewable sources such as solar and wind to further reduce CO2 emissions from heavy trucks.

Abschluss

Heavy vehicle loading is essential for efficient operation of electric trucks and buses. It supports sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Fast and reliable charging infrastructure minimizes downtime and improves operational efficiency for transportation companies. It also lowers the total cost of ownership by reducing fuel costs and vehicle maintenance rates. With the spread of large electric vehicles, robust charging networks will be key to promoting cleaner, efficient and cost-effective freight and public transportation systems.