Why electrify your truck fleet?
The electrification of truck fleets has become a strategic priority for many companies. This trend, already well underway in Europe, is gaining ground in North America, notably in Quebec. This fact sheet provides a detailed overview of the reasons why truck fleet electrification is becoming essential, while addressing the expected benefits, the challenges to overcome and future prospects, drawing on the testimonies of industry leaders:GLS Canada, Location Brossard, Groupe Robert, Nationex.
Mélanie Camara
Directrice environnement et développement durable, GLS Canada
Jean-François Brossard
Directeur des technologies et innovations énergétiques, Location Brossard
Kevin Lambert
Directeur des équipements et garanties, Groupe Robert
Edwin Richard
Directeur des projets spéciaux et du développement durable, Nationex
A transition driven by a combination of factors
External factors:
Companies must meet their customers’ expectations, who demand greener transportation services. Major accounts, especially in retail and logistics sectors, increasingly require their transportation service providers to reduce their carbon footprint. Concrete examples of large companies demanding green transport solutions include giants like Amazon, Walmart, and automotive brands like Volvo, which are investing heavily in zero-emission fleets. Consumers, who are increasingly environmentally aware, favor companies that adopt sustainable practices.
According to Mélanie Camara, Environment and Sustainability Director at GLS Canada:
“Over the past three years, we’ve seen a significant change. Customers are more interested in our environmental commitment, and requests to learn more about our actions are multiplying.”
On the side of Location Brossard, Jean-François Brossard, Director of Energy Technologies and Innovations, confirms:
“The demand for electric vehicles is stronger than before.”
Kevin Lambert, Director of Equipment and Warranties at Groupe Robert, emphasizes the collaborative aspect:
“Our clients are also pushing us toward this transition. We work closely with them, conduct tests together and make adjustments along the way to ensure a successful transition.”
Edwin Richard, Director of Special Projects and Sustainability at Nationex, shares his experience:
“Thanks to electrification, we managed to attract significant clients, including a European B Corp–certified client, who were not on our radar previously. Partnerships with committed companies like these are valuable.”
Internal factors:
Senior leaders in companies, particularly in logistics and transportation, also feel the pressure of the energy transition. They are driven by government requirements and by an increased awareness of the importance of reducing the environmental footprint of their activities. Greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets, decarbonization requirements and the risks associated with a late energy transition also motivate these decisions. This transformation is often accompanied by the desire to comply with legal obligations, but also by a sincere desire to improve the company’s image, to reduce long-term operational costs and to become a leader in the energy transition.
Mélanie Camara explains:
“For us at GLS Canada, it’s a matter of values: we are committed to taking care of parcels, people and the planet. We have integrated greenhouse gas emission reduction targets in line with the Science Based Targets initiative.”
At Nationex, Edwin Richard confirms:
“The willingness of President Catryn Pinard to innovate reflects the values of the family business. She wants us to do our part for the environment.”
The environmental impact of electrification
The electrification of heavy and medium trucks offers significant reductions in GHG emissions. Road transport is one of the main sources of pollution in Quebec, accounting for more than 40% of GHG emissions, and nearly 9% of the province’s total emissions are attributable to heavy vehicles.
Electrifying a fleet can substantially reduce CO2 emissions. According to the Innovative Vehicle Institute (IVI)[1], electrifying a Class 8 tractor can reduce CO2 emissions by a factor of 7 compared with a diesel model over its life cycle, while a Class 6 straight truck can reduce its emissions by a factor of 5. A concrete example from a pilot project of rechargeable fleets shows that, over a 10-year period, one participant would reduce its emissions by 603 tonnes of CO2. Although today, due to supply chain constraints, the production of electric trucks is more polluting in initial manufacturing compared with a diesel truck, this reality is expected to evolve as electrification of transport expands across all sectors, which pay close attention to life-cycle analysis. Nonetheless, fuel savings over a truck’s lifetime make these vehicles much more environmentally friendly. This life-cycle analysis is essential to assess the net impact of electric trucks.
Many manufacturers, such as Volvo, Freightliner, and Peterbilt, now offer electric truck models for the medium and heavy segments. These companies are joined by other players, both in Quebec and in the United States, who are developing and deploying zero-emission trucks. In 2024, there were already more than 700 medium and heavy electric trucks (over 4,537 kg) in Quebec and more than 2,300 medium and heavy electric trucks in the United States.[2]
Is it realistic to electrify your truck fleet?
From an operational perspective, truck electrification is much more realistic than it may seem at first glance for many trucks. Truck route data show that the majority of medium-duty trucks (81%) travel less than 240 km per day in North America[3]. As for heavy-duty trucks, 58% travel less than 320 km per day on average. These routes are perfectly compatible with the range of electric trucks, which can vary between 200 and 300 km.
In Quebec, studies[4] reveal that 44% of vehicles make trips mainly within a 160 km radius of their base, which means that electrification is not only technically feasible but also economically viable for a large portion of fleets. We are seeing more and more medium and heavy electric trucks on Quebec roads. And even over long distances. For example, a pilot project for a 100% electric decarbonized corridor will operate a total of 6 Class 8 fully electric trucks and 2 fully electric 26-foot trucks along the route between Quebec City and Montreal, with trials having successfully begun in January 2025 with a reduced number of Class 8 trucks.[5]
Charging: a technological evolution underway
One of the big questions related to fleet electrification concerns vehicle charging. However, for many fleets, depot charging (upon return to base) is sufficient. With technological advances, public fast charging on the road is also starting to gain traction, and several pilot projects for truck charging stations are underway, such as the Circuit électrique for trucks in Quebec.
Modern electric trucks, even in severe winter conditions, have shown that they can maintain reliable performance. In addition, truck batteries are expected to see their range increase significantly in the coming years, which will make the transition even easier for companies.
The profitability of electrification
One of the main obstacles to the transition to electric fleets is the initial purchase cost. However, studies show that, in many cases, electrifying a truck fleet, including heavy vehicles, can be cost-effective. For example, IVI calculated that an electric tractor, after 8 years of service and 40,000 km driven per year, costs 25% less to operate than a diesel model. In cases of frequent long-distance trips, especially for heavy trucks, few real-world cases have been tested in North America. With daily distances of 500 to 600 km and on-route charging strategies (opportunity charging), the profitability of electrifying this sector will depend even more on good planning. It is expected that in the coming years we will see more of these routes tested in North America, as was the case in Europe, and that we will learn more about the profitability of electric truck transport versus diesel over long distances.[6]. Savings mainly come from reduced energy costs, which are significantly lower for electric trucks compared with diesel vehicles, with electric charging costing much less than diesel.
Kevin Lambert of Groupe Robert, however, puts this into perspective:
“Electric is not necessarily profitable in the short term, but it sets us apart from other carriers and meets a demand from our clients. It’s also in line with our values: to be the best carrier possible for our clients by focusing on reliability, GHG reduction and efficiency.”
Beyond financial considerations, several carriers highlight the strategic advantages of electrification. According to Edwin Richard of Nationex,
“By moving toward electric, we become a responsible player in the fight against global warming. It also allows us to win more contracts, earn more awards and gain visibility.”
Jean-François Brossard of Location Brossard adds that
“Electrification has had a real impact on our visibility. Even our clients who don’t yet have electric trucks congratulated us on our initiative.”
At GLS Canada, the impact is also felt internally. Mélanie Camara reports:
“Drivers love the driving. They don’t want to go back to diesel trucks after experiencing electric!”
Benefits for the company
Brand image and corporate social responsibility (CSR):
Electrifying a company’s fleet positions it as a responsible actor in the fight against global warming. The reduction of CO2 emissions is viewed positively by customers, employees and investors. A successful transition to electric trucks can thus strengthen the company’s reputation, particularly in sectors sensitive to sustainability and responsible practices.
Improved working conditions for drivers:
Electric trucks are nearly silent and emit less vibration, resulting in greater comfort for drivers. Electric truck drivers often report a significant reduction in physical pain, notably back pain, related to the vibrations of combustion engines. Reduced noise and air pollution is also beneficial for worker health and for residential communities traversed by trucks. “Drivers love driving electric trucks,” says Edwin Richard of Nationex. “They are no longer tired at the end of the day, even after long trips.” Jean-François Brossard of Location Brossard confirms: “It’s night and day for them. Some drivers are even willing to give up certain benefits to continue driving electric vehicles.” Kevin Lambert of Groupe Robert adds: “Drivers motivate each other by monitoring their trucks’ range. That would never have been possible with gasoline trucks!”
The challenges of electrification
Despite the numerous advantages, electrification also presents challenges. change management, particularly among experienced drivers, is essential. Jean-François Brossard of Location Brossard emphasizes the importance of ongoing training:
“Drivers must be trained so they clearly understand how to operate an electric vehicle. We conduct regular follow-ups to assess truck performance.”
At Nationex, the main stumbling block was primarily at the level of change management:
“A lot of education and support are required for drivers, particularly during the first three months. It’s not only a question of technology, but also of human preparation. Moreover, charging infrastructure represents 90 to 95% of the challenge. Electric trucks are cheaper to operate, but the investments required in infrastructure are significant”
says Edwin Richard, Director of Special Projects and Sustainability. Regarding Location Brossard, Jean-François Brossard points out that their main challenge was the integration of charging stations, facing hurdles at the municipal level and connection delays with Hydro-Québec, before collaboration with Cléo provided an effective turnkey solution.
Mélanie Camara of GLS advises those beginning the electrification of their truck fleet:
“Plan well in advance, choose suitable routes and analyze payloads before deploying electric trucks. For us, it was important to involve the different departments and be ready for deployment both in driver training and in the installation of chargers to ensure a smooth commissioning.”
In conclusion
The electrification of truck fleets is now a necessity for companies wishing to meet the environmental, economic and social challenges of the 21st century. Although the transition requires a significant initial investment, the long-term benefits, both economically, for corporate image and in the fight against climate change, are undeniable. In addition, technological advances in battery range and charging infrastructure increasingly facilitate this transition for a growing number of companies. Not all routes can be electrified tomorrow morning, but with good planning, a very large portion of them could be electrified right away, and even more as a public charging network for trucks begins to be deployed.
Jean-François Brossard of Location Brossard summarizes:
“Initially, don’t invest in an electric truck solely for economic reasons, but prioritize the learning gains in logistics. That’s where the essence lies.”
Although the initial purchase cost of an electric truck may seem high, the gains in efficiency, flexibility and sustainability in transport operations management are far more significant in the long term. This evolution paves the way for a greener and more profitable future for the road transport sector.
In our next fact sheet, we will explore in detail how to plan the electrification of your fleet. We will address the right questions to ask, the tools and resources available, the importance of a global vision, establishing a realistic timeline, as well as options to adapt routes according to truck range and charging infrastructure. Stay tuned to better understand in which contexts electrification works today and how to anticipate its evolution in the years to come.
