A long-distance truck driver covers between 500 to 600 miles daily. As a result, many trucking companies are embracing alternative technologies and business models to achieve more sustainable and efficient operations.

The hybrid model is one such approach. It combines the benefits of diesel-powered trucks with those of electric trucks to ensure truckers get the best of both worlds. If you are skeptical about hybrids being the future of long-haul trucking, here are some reasons that may convince you.

It Commands More Trust

Diesel has been powering long-haul trucks for a century now and has grown to earn the trust of players in the industry. On the other hand, electric engines are still in the developmental stage, and no logistics business person wants to gamble with going full electric.

Hybrid trucks take a middle ground that helps reassure business people about their reliability, making them the best alternatives for investors who want both worlds.

Environmentally Friendly

The US economy relies heavily on diesel trucks for logistics, whose toll on the environment is significant due to their emissions. If you are conscious of your business’s carbon footprint, hybrid engine trucks can be your way of making a difference.

Hybrid trucks alternate between electric and diesel modes depending on the driving situation, which means they burn less fuel and consequently have a less environmental impact.

Cost-Effectiveness

The initial investment cost for hybrid trucks can be higher than a diesel engine but much lower than full electric. Even with higher initial investment, a hybrid engine will be less costly in the long run considering its fuel efficiency.

Also, the cost of maintenance can be significantly lower. With technology on electric and hybrid engines improving by the day, the cost-effectiveness of hybrids and EVs is bound to increase. Additionally, electric and hybrid trucks enjoy significant tax breaks from the government as an incentive to uptake clean energy in the trucking sector.

Government Regulations

The trucking industry is responsible for a significant percentage of toxic emissions. These emissions have not escaped the notice of federal and state environmental agencies. As a result, governments are creating laws aimed at reducing the level of emissions from diesel engines.

Only trucks and buses with emission-compliant engines in California will be eligible for registration starting this year. There is no telling where these laws are headed next. The only sure way to stay ahead of the law is to invest in hybrid or electric engines with minimal environmental effects.

Driver Retraining May Be Necessary

Drivers are not required to undergo special training to operate EVs or hybrid vehicles. But with driving technology changing dramatically, the idea of enrolling in a hybrid and electric vehicle course may be a good one.

While you may not need to relearn driving, the courses can help you learn the basics of hybrid and electric vehicles, such as simple diagnostics and repair. The good thing is that once you learn the basics, you do not have to learn with every new vehicle since most of the courses cover all vehicles, from small passenger vehicles to long-haul trucks.

Final Words

The majority of trucks on American roads are diesel-powered. But recent trends suggest that diesel power could be a thing of the past as electric engines continue to make huge strides yearly.

But the trucking industry is not yet ready for the big leap from diesel to electric power. So the near future belongs to hybrid engines offering the best of the two. You may not have to make the shift yet, but you may want to be prepared for the inevitable.