Electric Drayage Trucks: How Geography and Seasons Could Make or Break Their Efficiency

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Introduction – E-Trucks in the Real World, Not the Lab

The push for electric trucks is rolling hard—especially in ports and drayage operations. But while lawmakers talk about “zero emissions,” truckers are asking, “How will this actually work in winter? Or on hills? Or in real traffic?”

That’s exactly what a new study is tackling. Researchers developed a model-based simulation to figure out how geography and seasons affect the energy efficiency of electric drayage trucks. And spoiler alert—it’s not the same in sunny California as it is in snowy Chicago.

Let’s break down what this study found, why it matters for truckers, and what the industry still needs to figure out before flipping the diesel switch.

The Study – Modeling the Real-World Energy Use of E-Trucks

This research wasn’t just a classroom project. It was a full-blown simulation system designed to replicate the **real-life logistics grind** of port-based drayage trucking.
🚛 Focus: Electric drayage trucks – These are short-haul trucks that move containers between ports and nearby warehouses. Perfect guinea pigs for electrification.

📍 Variables: Geography and seasonality – The study factored in location-specific terrain (flat vs. hilly), climate (cold vs. hot), and typical traffic flow.

⚙️ Tools: Advanced energy modeling software – Researchers used high-tech modeling to simulate how an electric truck performs in different areas throughout the year.

💡 Goal: Predict efficiency – The aim was to understand how energy use changes across seasons and locations, which helps with battery range planning, charger placement, and fleet ROI.

Key Findings – The Environment Changes Everything

Here’s where things get interesting for drivers and fleet managers alike:
❄️ Cold climates reduce efficiency – Batteries struggle in the cold. The study found energy consumption spikes in winter, partly due to cabin heating and battery chemistry.

🗻 Hilly terrain eats up range – Locations with significant elevation changes (think Seattle or Pittsburgh) cause higher energy usage during uphill hauls.

🚦Stop-and-go traffic matters – More urban congestion means more braking and acceleration, which surprisingly helped efficiency due to regenerative braking—but only to a point.

🌡️ Warm climates perform better overall – Southern regions saw higher energy efficiency, especially in spring and fall when HVAC demand was low.

📉 Battery range isn't consistent – A truck that gets 150 miles in Los Angeles might only get 100 in Buffalo during a snowstorm.

Real Driver Impact – Why You Should Care

If you’re thinking, “I don’t drive electric,” hold up—because this shift is coming fast to port operations, LTL routes, and even some regional freight jobs.
📦 Charging time affects your clock – If your route goes longer than expected due to hills or cold, you might end up at a charger instead of a delivery dock.

🗺️ Route planning becomes critical – Drivers will need to know where the grades are, where the weather hits hard, and where the next charger is located. This isn’t just GPS—it’s energy mapping.

🧯 Expect new safety concerns – Batteries in extreme cold or heat can cause issues if not managed properly. Think battery fires or system shutdowns.

📈 Fleet managers will tighten margins – If an electric truck is losing efficiency in your area, don’t be shocked if dispatch expects more precision and tighter delivery windows.

Multiple Perspectives – The Good, the Bad, and the Chilly

From policymakers: This study helps justify building **charging infrastructure** in more strategic spots, not just slapping chargers everywhere.
From drivers: Many still feel left out of the conversation. Real-world experience beats simulations any day.

From green tech advocates: They argue this data helps make electric trucks more practical—by adapting them to specific conditions.

From skeptics: Some say the study proves what truckers already knew: electric ain’t ready for prime time in all parts of the country.

Industry Response – What’s Next for E-Drayage

Ports in California, New York, and Texas are already piloting electric drayage fleets. This study will likely influence:
📊 How OEMs design trucks – Expect new models with terrain-specific software and seasonal battery optimization.

🔌 Where chargers are placed – Utility companies and port authorities will use these findings to plan infrastructure more effectively.

💰 Fleet investment plans – Knowing which areas are “e-truck friendly” helps fleets decide when and where to deploy electric trucks.

The Bottom Line – One Size Doesn’t Fit All

This study isn’t trying to kill the electric truck dream—it’s just giving it a reality check. Geography and seasons matter. If we want electrification to work, it has to adapt to real routes, real weather, and real driver needs.
And if you’re a driver thinking about your future, remember this: When trucking shifts, those who plan ahead win.

Call to Action – Don’t Get Left Behind When the Charge Runs Out

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👉 Visit RetireFromTrucking.com to learn skills that go beyond the wheel—like how to profit from AI, content, or digital tools in your downtime.
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Electric trucks might be coming, but your freedom should never run on someone else’s battery.