Some people see a carbon-free future with all power coming from battery-operated cars, trucks, trains, and even airplanes. Truth is, all those types of vehicles have at least dipped their toes into electric power, but the reality is it’ll take some big changes and breakthroughs to move more than a small percentage of vehicles, especially heavy-duty work trucks (and airplanes), away from fossil fuels. The reason is simple—power.

While companies like Volvo, Freightliner, and Cummins have freight haulers on the road, the economics of operating an electric long-haul fleet are daunting for all but the largest firms. And electric motors to power huge trucks like airport snowplows and earth movers are a long way off. But for lighter-duty trucks, the picture is more encouraging.

Electric Trucks Move into the Light-Duty Market

You’ve no doubt seen all the ads for electric pickup trucks from legacy brands like Ford, GM, and Dodge. Electric vehicle (EV) pioneer Tesla is even into the market. But several companies also offer electric service vans like the Ford E-Transit and box trucks like Freightliner’s eM2. Flatbed and stake trucks are also adaptable to battery power, so for many businesses like construction and landscaping, the EV era is already here.

Pros and Cons of Electric Work Trucks

The environmental benefits of EVs have been shouted from rooftops and TV towers worldwide. And while those claims are largely true, EVs are NOT carbon neutral. Generating the electricity to power them and the mining, construction, and disposal of the vehicles and batteries all take considerable amounts of energy, much of it still carbon-based. But the tradeoff is mostly positive, so EVs do reduce atmospheric pollutants.

And, of course, there’s the fuel. Tailpipe emissions are eliminated, that’s for sure, and operating costs can be lower, especially when properly managed. But charging commercial EV fleets requires a substantial investment in electrical equipment and running more than a few vehicles adds the need for management of the charging process. For a deeper look into the ins and outs of operating a commercial EV fleet, look at this article. It will help you decide if EVs are right for your business.

Regardless of Type, OJ is the OG of Work Trucks

Whatever the fuel type, O.J. Watson Equipment has been customizing trucks from pickups to large workhorses for over 100 years. So you can be sure you're getting the finest designs and equipment backed up by OEM parts and superior service. With facilities in Denver and Greely, we’re easy to get to from all Front Range and rural Colorado locations.

We also have a huge variety of accessory items and parts at both our locations, and we are experts in custom fabrication to meet every need. We have 20 mechanics on the floor in our Denver shop and 10 more in Greeley, and we stock the things you need to stay productive year-round. Our suppliers are the most trusted brands in the business, and since we build custom trucks, we have more brands and varieties of parts available than other dealers.

Simply put, whatever specialized truck and truck equipment you require, from large to small, O.J. Watson Equipment is proudly prepared to handle it.

Learn more about utility trucks and our other many products and services on our website: ojwatson.com.