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Electromobility is on the rise, and electric trucks (e-trucks) are also becoming increasingly important in logistics. Companies that integrate electric trucks into their fleets face new challenges when it comes to scheduling. Compared to conventional diesel trucks, numerous specific aspects need to be taken into account with electric trucks in order to ensure smooth and efficient planning.
Consider range and charging times
Electric trucks have a limited range, which depends heavily on the battery capacity and the current operating conditions. It is therefore crucial to accurately calculate the maximum distance that the vehicle can cover on one battery charge. Factors such as load, weather and route profile have a significant influence on the range. Energy consumption also plays a major role, as inclines, additional consumers such as air conditioning or cooling systems and the type of freight can significantly increase energy requirements. A central component of scheduling is the planning of charging breaks, as fast charging often takes 30 to 60 minutes, while regular charging can take even longer.
Optimize route and time planning
Choosing the right route is essential to make the operation of e-trucks efficient. Dispatchers must plan distances precisely and ensure that the route is within the range of the battery. It is equally important to identify suitable charging stations along the route that offer both the right charging power (AC/DC) and availability. The topography must not be neglected, as uphill gradients increase energy consumption, while downhill gradients can be helpful through recuperation.
Careful time planning is another important factor in the scheduling of e-trucks. Charging times must be planned strategically in order to meet delivery windows. Combining charging times with the legally required rest periods for drivers can help to increase efficiency. Sufficient buffer times should also be planned to compensate for unexpected delays, such as occupied charging stations.
Targeted use of technology and tools
The weight of the load plays a decisive role for electric trucks. Due to the weight of the battery, e-trucks can carry less payload than diesel trucks, which is why precise planning is necessary. In addition, the energy for temperature-sensitive goods such as cooling or heating must be taken into account. Modern telematics systems are indispensable for monitoring the battery charge status and vehicle position in real time. These tools allow routes to be dynamically adjusted if the state of charge is lower than expected or charging stations are not available. They can also generate early error messages to detect technical problems with the battery or vehicle in good time.
Transport management systems (TMS) must provide new functions to enable dispatchers to easily plan operations. These systems can, for example, support the integration of loading times, range calculations and real-time monitoring into planning. Dispatchers must familiarize themselves intensively with the new technology in order to make optimum use of these possibilities.
Mastering challenges and exploiting potential
The cost structure also differs for e-trucks. Variable electricity costs, such as night-time electricity tariffs, must be taken into account. At the same time, the total costs compared to diesel trucks, including savings on energy and maintenance, can be analyzed in order to evaluate the economic efficiency. Good driver training is also essential. They should learn how to maximize range through anticipatory driving and recuperation, as well as how to operate charging stations and report problems.
It is not only the switch to electric vehicles that presents logistics companies with major challenges, but also the scheduling itself requires a rethink. While it is much easier to plan the use of electric trucks for scheduled services, planning for flexible distribution transport is often more complex. Innovative approaches and technical understanding on the part of dispatchers are required here.
The scheduling of e-trucks therefore requires careful planning and the use of modern technologies. From route planning and charging infrastructure to driver training, there are many factors that need to be taken into account. With well thought-out scheduling, companies can not only increase the efficiency of their e-truck fleet, but also fully exploit the benefits of electromobility. E-trucks offer great potential to reduce costs and at the same time operate more sustainably. The right scheduling is the key to exploiting these benefits.
