Explore How Electric Trucks And Their Systems Work For Efficient Operation

Explore how electric trucks, their unique aggregates and the technology powering modern electric truck propulsion systems work. Read on

The technological advancements in the commercial vehicle manufacturing sector have significantly helped automakers in introducing high-tech innovations to the world, suitable to meet the demands of the logistical industry. This includes the introduction and evolution of innovations such as high-performance electric trucks suitable for demanding applications. 

Speaking of electric trucks or electric vehicles in general, they are considered the future of cargo transportation in India due to being a technology extensively developed to meet the requirements of customers, offering sustainability and performance. In terms of propulsion, this segment typically uses a battery pack and electric motors - a fascinating subject.   

Moreover, it is quite interesting to explore the aggregates and technology behind the propulsion of an electric vehicle or truck due to the integration of several components unique to the segment. Curious to learn more about the aggregates and mechanism of an electric truck? Want to know how electric trucks work? You are in the right place. Read on:

Related Link: Check Out The Electric Vehicle Types And Their Mechanisms

How Electric Trucks Work 101

Here’s an overview of how an electric truck is operated and how it functions typically: 

• First and foremost, when the ignition key is turned or switched on, ions and electrons pass through the wiring harness from high-voltage batteries and power the systems onboard to boot and prepare for heavy-duty operations. 
  
  
• Next, when the operator turns the ignition key or switches on the vehicle similar to cranking a conventional diesel or petrol-powered truck –  obviously with no sound or vibration, sort of a silent start –  the energy system onboard the vehicle sends power to the powertrain ready for operation. 
  
  
• Further, for acceleration, when the pedal is engaged, a software sends signal to the inverter system on the vehicle which functions like a switch that quickly opens and closes for the conversion of direct current (DC) signal to alternating current (AC).
  
  
• Once the AC signal is created, it powers up the electric motors to create torque and power (kWh). This allows the electric motors to generate rotational energy which is then transferred to the wheels using a drivetrain system. 
  
  
• To bring e-trucks to a complete stop or slow down, in addition to the standard braking setup seen in them, there is a recuperation process initiated by a system called the regenerative braking system. It allows the batteries to recharge by sending the energy created during braking from the motors to the inverter and then to the battery. 

Systems Onboard An Electric Truck

The Brain: Softwares Onboard 

Like diesel-propelled trucks, electric trucks use software to coordinate the operation of different aggregates responsible for the propulsion of a vehicle such as the accelerator system, cooling system and braking system among others. To understand it better, let us pick the acceleration system from the lot. 

The acceleration system in an electric truck involves the usage of a powertrain controller module which utilises software for the supply of sufficient power to the wheels. For instance, if the driver engages the accelerator pedal halfway – 50 percent – then the powertrain controller decides whether it is ideal to offer the demand for 50 percent of power.

This is based on calculations done by the software closely considering the operating condition of the powertrain and the response from other aggregates to ensure safe transmission of energy from the battery pack to the electric motors for torque production. 

However, do note that the system is not designed to limit power or torque, it is designed to ensure efficient energy and power transmission without much loss of energy for high-range production and other associated factors. 

Primary System: Battery Packs Onboard 

Unlike diesel trucks, there are multiple batteries inside an electric vehicle – not just under the hood but also underneath the electric vehicle. Let’s explore two main battery packs typically seen in an electric truck and the system which is used to control them: 

Low Voltage Battery Setup: A low-voltage battery pack is located under the hood of an electric truck or the seat. It is used to power the dashboard controls and other smaller aggregates that require lower voltage to function. A low-voltage battery pack works separately from the primary battery source in the vehicle for vehicular propulsion. 

High-Voltage Battery Setup: A high-voltage battery pack in an electric truck is situated between the frame rails and other components located around it such as the wiring harness, load body above and suspension aggregates situated just behind the setup. These battery packs provide energy to the electric motors for driving the vehicle. 

Battery And Thermal Management Systems

Battery management system in trucks is another key system that functions by monitoring the battery pack, pooling data and using software to keep track of what is happening inside the battery pack to ensure efficient vehicular operation. Meanwhile, a thermal management system works under the battery management system and uses liquid cooling to control the temperature of the batteries. 

Conclusion: Are Electric Trucks Efficient? 

Given that electric vehicles integrate such sophisticated, well-developed systems for battery and powertrain management, for sufficient range production and to ensure the suitability of the vehicle to different operating conditions, it is right to state that electric trucks are efficient. However, the scale of efficiency varies with each product from different manufacturers. 

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