Tech Articles

The year 2020 brought exciting news to the trucking industry: the emergence of medium- and heavy-duty electric trucks from renowned OEMs like Daimler, Kenworth, Mack, Peterbilt, and Volvo. These vehicles are either already available or on the horizon, promising a cleaner and more sustainable future for transportation. However, as with any transformative technology, the initial thrill often gives way to practical questions about implementation, particularly in the realm of truck service operations.

The impending impact of commercial truck electrification on service operations is a pivotal consideration for those contemplating an investment in electric trucks, whether you run your own shop or work with contracted maintenance providers. In this article, we'll delve into the essential aspects of how electrification will reshape truck service.

Safety First

The paramount concern when servicing battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell trucks is safety. Both of these technologies operate at extremely high voltages, making safety precautions a top priority within the service environment.

Mike Hasinec, Vice President of Maintenance at Penske Truck Leasing, emphasizes the importance of collaborating with local fire departments and adhering to local regulations and building codes, especially when working with highly flammable hydrogen.

To enhance safety, it's recommended to designate at least one bay for electric vehicle repair. While this bay need not be exclusively used for electric vehicle maintenance, it should serve as the dedicated area for servicing these vehicles. Peyton Harrell, Director of Dealer Network Development at Peterbilt, highlights the need for this designation to prevent untrained technicians or personnel from exposure to high-voltage systems.

Furthermore, a trained observer should be present outside the battery electric vehicle (BEV) work area to provide assistance in emergencies. According to Harrell, work on Peterbilt BEVs should never be carried out in isolation.

Designating a specific bay for electric vehicle service streamlines the process and ensures that specialized tools, placards, and signage are readily available to communicate the area's exclusivity.

Charging Infrastructure

Charging infrastructure is a cornerstone of electric truck service. To cater to electric vehicles effectively, it's crucial to install appropriate charging equipment at the designated bay. This could include mobile chargers or permanently mounted chargers, depending on your operational needs.

Greg Bowen, eMobility Trainer at Daimler Trucks North America, suggests cordoning off the bay with an electrical "Limited Approach Boundary" to prevent unauthorized personnel from exposure to electrical hazards. Bays intended for battery swaps should be equipped with wheel lifts for seamless operations.

Technician Training and Equipment

Technician training is paramount for working on electric trucks. While there are similarities between electric and diesel trucks, high-voltage systems in electric trucks demand specialized knowledge.

Scott Barraclough, Technology Product Manager at Mack Trucks, recommends having processes in place to identify authorized technicians for electric vehicle service. Adequate personal protective equipment, such as insulated hand tools and lock-out devices for battery connectors, should be readily available to ensure technician safety.

Consulting with the OEM or battery manufacturer regarding battery handling and storage is essential. Additionally, sensors for leak detection and fans for gas removal should be integrated into the service environment.

Remember that in case of uncertainty, OEMs can be valuable resources for guidance and training. Brett Pope, Director of Electric Vehicles at Volvo Trucks North America, assures that Volvo will provide comprehensive training and support to fleet customers for servicing their new electric truck models.

Service Similarities

Despite the significant differences between electric and diesel trucks, there are notable similarities in service requirements. Most OEMs design high-voltage systems to shut down and disconnect after the unit is turned off, simplifying routine maintenance.

Common components such as cooling systems, brakes, tires, lights, A/C compressors, heaters, coolant/water pumps, power steering, air compressors, and cab accessories require maintenance and inspections, whether for electric or internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. This means that technicians will still perform familiar tasks on electric trucks.

In Conclusion, as the commercial trucking industry embraces electrification, service operations will undergo significant transformations. Safety, specialized training, designated service bays, and appropriate equipment are crucial considerations. By addressing these factors proactively, service providers can ensure the efficient and safe maintenance of electric trucks, contributing to the sustainable future of transportation.