Compared with standard diesel-powered trucks, electric vehicles (EVs) are still in their infancy. Even various forms of natural gas (NG) vehicles are new technology compared with diesel, though NG trucks have been used commercially for years.
As OEMs continue to develop these alternative fuel and power options, dealers have to keep up with the technology.
Sales reps must understand the ins and outs of these alternatives, not just so they know about the equipment they’re offering, but also to understand who the potential customers are and to be able to act as a consultant as much as a salesperson. Customer education is needed too, and that goes beyond the vehicle itself — use case and filling and charging infrastructure also has to be considered.
In addition to learning the new technology of alt-fuel trucks and understanding the infrastructure needed; the recent widespread power outages in Texas have raised more questions for electric trucks, in particular.
NG and EV: Benefits to the customer
North America’s established truck OEMs offer customers interested in alternatively fueled or powered vehicles choices in size of truck and fuel, such as EVs and the various forms of NG, including compressed natural gas (CNG), liquified natural gas (LNG) and renewable natural gas (RNG). Use case and fueling infrastructure largely will dictate the type of truck and fuel that is best for each individual customer.
Some of these vehicles are available now. Others will be at dealerships in a year or so. Others still, such as Nikola, Rivian, Tesla and more, could be on the market later this decade — though this piece focuses exclusively on the former and the vehicles developed by the market’s four mainstay truck makers.
