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How battery technology will drive truck electrification

  • Magazine Article
  • 19TOFHP12_10
Published December 01, 2019 by SAE International in United States
Language:
  • English

The past three years have seen a major shift in the perception around electrified commercial vehicles, including trucks, driven by a variety of factors that have come together at this particular time. These factors include a growing awareness and acceptance of the impact of CO2 emissions on climate change and the dangers of diesel emissions-most notably highlighted by the Volkswagen emissions scandal-alongside a growing maturity and improved cost profile on electric vehicle (EV) technology. As a result, fleet owners and OEMs now consider e-trucks much more seriously.

Within the EV technology landscape, lithium-ion battery packs stand out as the most critical piece of the puzzle and represent the biggest hurdle before mass adoption can take place. Here I share a brief overview of the challenges the industry faces in solving the battery pack conundrum, and some of the developments that could contribute to the solution. My perspective on this topic is based on my experience as the Chief Commercial Officer for Electrification at Allison Transmission and also as CEO and co-founder of London-based Vantage Power, a company acquired by Allison in April 2019 for its work in battery pack technology, vehicle integration and connectivity.