Hybrid systems on heavy inner city vehicles make a lot of sense. As do hybrids in mountainous areas.
But long distance hauling? BS. Semi engines are large with very low power to displacement ratio -> they are very fuel efficient. Truck builders' customers are very sensitive to fuel consumption.
I find it very hard to believe that marginal grid power (ie thermal plant), through all the transformer and transmission losses can beat a semi's diesel.
EDIT: even if the semi's electricity came from magic, the opportunity cost of putting so many batteries on a EV semi vs. a small fleet of hybrid commercial vans more than blows the comparison in favor of hybrids.
Hybrid systems on heavy inner city vehicles make a lot of sense. As do hybrids in mountainous areas.
But long distance hauling? BS. Semi engines are large with very low power to displacement ratio -> they are very fuel efficient. Truck builders' customers are very sensitive to fuel consumption.
I find it very hard to believe that marginal grid power (ie thermal plant), through all the transformer and transmission losses can beat a semi's diesel.
EDIT: even if the semi's electricity came from magic, the opportunity cost of putting so many batteries on a EV semi vs. a small fleet of hybrid commercial vans more than blows the comparison in favor of hybrids.