Note: This is the second of a two-part series that looks at the challenges facing the electrification of trucking. The first installment, “Electric trucks face hurdles from the ‘cost of innovation,’ infrastructure” can be found here.
Jim Reed, vice president for TA Truck Service, said the proliferation of electric trucks would prompt truck stops to evolve their business.
Pilot Flying J already has dabbled in electrification, having installed Tesla charging stations at select locations between Dallas and Los Angeles.
“We’re committed to doing everything we can to contribute to the future growth of the industry, and our team is always looking at new services and offerings to make life easier for drivers on the road,” said David Hughes, senior vice president of sales for Pilot Flying J. “With professional drivers being our core customers, if and when this technology comes to trucks, Pilot Flying J will be ready to explore and support these vehicles.”
Reed said there currently are no plans to deploy a charging network at the truck stop chain, but he noted it has been discussed.
“Advancements in battery technology have made it possible for electric trucks to perform in short-haul applications, but range is still a concern when it comes to the long-haul space,” he said. “If electric long-haul trucks can eventually complete 500- to 600-mile runs and need convenient fast-charging stations along their routes, we feel we’ll play a key role in supplying that.”
