In the US a decade or two ago, we enacted regulations to increase the efficiency of passenger vehicles. However larger vehicles typically needed for commercial and farming uses were exempt. Now we see the results of that as reverse incentive, where trucks became more common, even for simple commuting
Will the same happen with BEVs, a reverse incentive that increases the use of trucks?
I just read an opinion piece (lost just as quickly, sorry) that discussed issues with sales of EV pickups at GM and Ford. They made a compelling argument that EVs still have weaknesses as work trucks and point to the success of Rivian as a recreational truck. Certainly arguments against EV pickups do center on those weaknesses, even for scenarios where it wouldn’t apply (how many truck owners actually tow regularly?). So, as BEVs rapidly take over the car and crossover markets, and the holdouts have fewer choices of ICE cars, will they increasingly turn to trucks?
I’m wondering if one day we will see a hydrogen auxiliary add-on for say duly trucks or like an F-350 for towing. Like as part of a $20,000 tow option. It seems like it would be a reasonable way to allow long distance towing without a huge battery weight penalty.
It’s still a pretty niche market however, compared to the overall truck market… And since the market isn’t rational (it manufacturers are having a hell of a time actually producing electric trucks at scale in the first place), it may never actually happen.