The trucking industry plays a crucial role in the global economy by transporting goods over long distances, making it convenient for consumers. In the United States, trucks were responsible for shipping 72 percent of goods in 2021, underscoring the significant economic value of the industry and its drivers.
However, the diesel trucks used in this industry have a negative impact on public health and the environment due to the harmful emissions they release like nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) into the atmosphere.
Truck drivers are most affected by pollution as they are constantly exposed to harmful diesel fumes. Transiting these fleets toward zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) can bring numerous benefits, particularly in improving health outcomes and work environments.
Zero-emission trucks offers the following advantages:
The shift will result in numerous public health advantages, such as averting around 66,800 premature deaths, preventing 8.5 million missed workdays, and reducing 1.75 million asthma attacks in the next three decades.
Zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) help reduce air pollution by significantly reducing the emissions of harmful substances like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). This leads to improved air quality and a lower risk of respiratory diseases.
Zero-emission trucks almost make ‘no sound’ thus help reduce noise pollution, which has various negative effects on drivers’ mental and physical health, such as hearing loss, dizziness, headaches, high blood pressure, and anxiety.
A 2015 study discovered that traffic noise is linked to cardiovascular issues in both adults and the elderly, and it also indicated that prolonged exposure to road traffic noise can raise the chances of death.
Zero-emission trucks have lower maintenance costs compared to diesel trucks because they have a simpler power train with fewer moving parts and do not require fluids like engine oil, coolant, or transmission fluid, reducing the need for fluid changes and the risk of leaks.
Additionally, electric trucks often have regenerative braking, which reduces wear and tear, extends the vehicle’s lifespan, and decreases the need for brake system maintenance.
Many zero-emission trucks are designed with driver comfort in mind. They have comfy seats, fancy air conditioning, and special stuff to block out loud outside noises. These things make driving the truck easier and more fun, so the drivers don’t get tired as quickly and feel better overall.
Zero-emission trucks don’t pollute the air and so help make people healthier. One group of people who would benefit a lot from these trucks is the people who drive them. It’s really important to support ZEV standards so that the air can be cleaner and the truck drivers and the people in the places they go to can be healthier.
Reference- Inside EVs, interesting Engineering, ScienceDirect, Inverse, Vox, Electrek