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Cost of fuel will also be greatly reduced for the use cases within electric range: - Removing the driver allows for more aerodynamic cab configuration, or no c
by tyrw 9y ago
Cost of fuel will also be greatly reduced for the use cases within electric range:
- Removing the driver allows for more aerodynamic cab configuration, or no cab at all
- Electric motors are more efficient, particularly in high-torque / low-rpm environment
- Massive & inefficient 18-speed gearbox can be avoided
- Cost of fuel itself (electricity) is much cheaper
- patrickg_zill 9y agoI think the bigger savings will come in being able to precisely control stops, starts, and turning, which will both minimize damage to the road surface and lengthen tire life. ISTR a case where a large open pit mine bought GPS-driven trucks and saved a great deal just from longer tire life (each tire was $20K).
- derefr 9y agoRe: gearbox, I wonder whether an autonomous truck could be paired with a little scouting drone to "look ahead" at things like blind corners or stop-and-go traffic, to allow the truck enough foreknowledge to gear up and down more gradually.