featured image for Viability of electric trucks in forestry

Viability of electric trucks in forestry

8 October 2025

FPInnovations has conducted a case study assessing the viability and cost of integrating battery electric trucks into fleet operations. With their high energy efficiency and zero emissions, BEVs offer a low-carbon alternative to diesel.

The study examines operational constraints, such as shift scheduling, charging needs, and payload, within a strategy requiring return to base after each shift. It presents a comparative cost analysis under leasing and purchasing scenarios to inform strategic fleet decisions.

Key highlights:

The battery electric truck demonstrated energy cost advantages compared to its diesel equivalent.
Over time, the energy cost savings of the BEV offsets the higher upfront cost of acquiring both the BEV and its charging infrastructure.
The use of a single BEV in Quebec would reduce GHG emissions by 490 tonnes over 5 years.

This report gives fleet operators clear data on the cost and operational impact of battery electric trucks. It helps them weigh financial benefits, meet emissions targets, and decide whether electric vehicles fit into their fleet strategy.

Source & image credit: FPInnovations

More Posts from Issue

Forestry’s A$5b contribution to the Victorian economy

The forestry industry contributes around A$5.2 billion to the Victorian economy and supports more than 25,000 local and regional jobs, according to a new study commissioned by Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA). The Economic Contribution of the Forestry Industry in Victoria report found ...

New approved CoP: Safe practice for forestry & harvesting

WorkSafe NZ has released the new Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) for forestry operations along with the Health and Safety when Managing a Small Forest Harvest Good Practice Guidelines (GPG). This guidance outlines the responsibilities and legal expectations under the ...

New Zealand hosts global Bioeconomy Innovations conference

Forestry Resources Drive Sustainable Breakthroughs in the Bioeconomy New Zealand is set to take centre stage in the global move towards a sustainable bioeconomy, leveraging its forest resources to spearhead innovation and international collaboration. The upcoming Bioeconomy Innovations Conference, organised ...

Fighting wild fires in an era of climate change

From California to the Mediterranean, and now even in the far north of Europe, wildfires are increasingly making headlines. The growing vulnerability of regions once considered low-risk underscores the urgent need for action—and the development of innovative firefighting technologies. While wildfires ...

Daylight savings sleep shift increases health risk for drivers

As daylight saving begins, Kiwis may welcome the brighter evenings and promise of summer BBQs, but the switch comes with a darker side. Health data shows the sudden disruption to body clocks has measurable consequences: hospitals in Michigan, US found heart ...

Roll out of Australia’s largest early fire detection in NSW

The Minns Labor Government is preparing state forests to be better monitored and protected from fires with the roll out of Australia’s largest early detection smart camera network mostly across central and southern NSW. Early fire detection cameras will be ...

Fortescue Metals has brought 400 giant electric haul trucks

Andrew Forrest’s Fortescue Metals has brought in a new supplier to help deliver the up to 400 giant electric vault trucks that his company will need to meet its ambitious target of reaching “real zero” emissions at its Pilbara iron ...

SA welcomes Federal investment into cleaner fuel production

South Australia’s forest industries are poised to lead the charge toward a low-carbon fuel future, welcoming the announcement by the Albanese Government of a A$1.1 billion investment package to accelerate the development of low-carbon liquid fuels. The package will support domestic cleaner ...

Biofuel innovation set to make waves in marine shipping

Biofuel technology that promises to help reduce the marine shipping industry’s carbon footprint is a step closer, with the launch of a company set up to lead its commercialisation. Start-up venture Biowave, launched in Wellington on August 13, will focus ...