Electric trucks work the same way as electric cars, but they carry heavier loads and need bigger batteries
An electric truck replaces the petrol or diesel engine with a large rechargeable battery and electric motor. Instead of burning fuel to turn the engine, the battery sends power to the motor, which drives the wheels. The truck stops at a charger to refill the battery instead of a petrol pump. Because trucks haul cargo and tow trailers, they need larger batteries and more powerful motors than electric cars do — which means they cost more upfront and take longer to charge.
The real difference between an electric truck and a traditional one shows up in how you drive and maintain it. There are no oil changes, spark plugs, or transmission fluid. The brake pads last much longer because the truck uses regenerative braking — the motor slows the truck and feeds power back into the battery instead of friction doing all the work. You spend less time at charging stations than you might expect if you plan routes around chargers, but you cannot just pull up anywhere like you can with petrol.
Key Takeaways
- Electric trucks cost more to buy than comparable diesel trucks, but fuel and maintenance costs are significantly lower over the truck's lifetime.
- Range varies by model and battery size, typically between 200 and 500 miles per charge, and drops in cold weather and when towing.
- Charging at home on a Level 2 charger takes 8 to 12 hours for a full battery; public fast chargers can add 200 miles in 30 minutes but are less common for trucks.
- Electric trucks have fewer moving parts than diesel trucks, so routine maintenance means checking brakes, tyres, and coolant rather than oil changes and transmission service.
- Towing capacity is real but lower than comparable diesel trucks, and towing reduces range by 20 to 40 percent depending on load and terrain.
How battery size affects range and what you actually get per charge
The battery is the heart of an electric truck, and its size determines how far you can drive before you need to charge. Manufacturers measure batteries in kilowatt-hours (kWh). A larger battery holds more energy and lets you drive farther, but it also weighs more, costs more, and takes longer to charge. Most electric trucks on the market today come with battery options ranging from around 150 kWh to 200 kWh or larger.
Real-world range depends on how you drive, the weather, and what you are towing. A truck rated for 300 miles of range on a full battery might deliver 250 miles in winter or when towing a trailer. Driving at motorway speeds uses more energy than city driving. Towing a loaded trailer can cut your range by a quarter or more. If you regularly tow heavy loads or live somewhere very cold, you need to factor in that loss when deciding whether an electric truck fits your work.
The battery degrades slowly over time — most manufacturers may provide the battery will retain 70 to 80 percent of its capacity after 8 to 10 years. In practice, owners report losing 2 to 3 percent of capacity per year in the first few years, then the rate slows. If you keep the truck longer than a decade, you may notice the range dropping, but the battery rarely fails outright.
Charging at home versus public chargers and how long it actually takes
Charging speed depends on the charger type. A standard household outlet (Level 1) adds about 2 to 3 miles of range per hour — too slow for any truck owner who needs to work. A Level 2 charger, which you can install at home or find at some workplaces and public locations, adds 25 to 30 miles per hour and fully charges most trucks in 8 to 12 hours overnight. A DC fast charger at a public station can add 200 miles in 30 minutes, but these are still rare for trucks and cost more per kilowatt-hour than home charging.
Home charging is the cheapest and most convenient option if you have a driveway or garage and can run a Level 2 charger. Installation typically costs between £500 and £2,500 depending on your electrical panel and how far the charger is from it. You charge overnight and start each day with a full battery. For most truck owners who drive locally or regionally, home charging covers 80 percent of their charging needs.
Public fast chargers matter for long trips. Networks like Tesla Supercharger, Ionity, and others are expanding, but coverage is thinner in rural areas and away from major motorways. Plan longer journeys around charger locations, and expect to spend 20 to 40 minutes at a fast charger while you eat or work. Some public chargers charge by the minute rather than by the kilowatt-hour, so the cost per mile can vary widely.
Purchase cost, fuel savings, and maintenance expenses over time
Electric trucks cost more upfront than comparable diesel trucks — typically £10,000 to £20,000 more depending on the model and battery size. That gap narrows when you factor in fuel and maintenance. Electricity costs roughly one-third to one-half as much as diesel per mile driven. You do not buy oil, spark plugs, transmission fluid, or coolant flushes. Brake pads last two to three times longer because regenerative braking does most of the stopping work.
Over five years of ownership, the fuel and maintenance savings can offset a significant portion of the higher purchase price. If you drive 15,000 miles per year and diesel costs £1.50 per litre, you might spend £3,000 per year on fuel in a diesel truck. The same truck running on electricity at £0.30 per kilowatt-hour might cost £1,000 per year. That is £2,000 per year in fuel savings alone, or £10,000 over five years. Add in lower maintenance costs, and the total savings approach or exceed the upfront price difference for many buyers.
Some regions offer grants or tax incentives for electric vehicle purchases, though the amount and availability vary by location and change year to year. Check with your local authority or the government's vehicle tax website to see what may be available where you live.
Towing capacity and how it changes range and performance
Electric trucks can tow, but not as much as comparable diesel trucks. A diesel truck might tow 14,000 pounds; an electric truck of similar size typically tows 10,000 to 12,000 pounds. The motor has plenty of torque — electric motors deliver maximum torque when ready — but the battery drains faster under load, and the truck's weight limits how much it can safely pull.
Towing reduces range significantly. A truck rated for 300 miles unloaded might deliver only 180 to 200 miles while towing a loaded trailer. The heavier the load and the steeper the terrain, the greater the range loss. If you tow regularly, you need a truck with a larger battery to maintain usable range, which increases the purchase price. For occasional light towing, an electric truck works fine. For heavy or frequent towing, a diesel truck may still be the better choice.
Regenerative braking works differently when towing. The truck cannot recover as much energy during braking because the trailer's weight and momentum complicate the process. This is another reason why towing drains the battery faster than the numbers alone suggest.
Where to find charging stations and how to plan routes around them
Several apps and websites map public chargers: PlugShare, ChargePoint, and Tesla's own network map show locations, availability, and pricing. Most chargers require a membership or payment card to use. Some are free; others charge per minute, per kilowatt-hour, or a flat session fee. Prices vary widely — a 30-minute fast charge might cost £8 to £15 depending on the network and location.
Planning a long trip means checking charger locations along your route before you leave. Many truck owners use route planners built into the truck's navigation system, which account for the truck's range and suggest chargers automatically. These planners are usually accurate for unloaded driving but may overestimate range if you are towing or driving in cold weather.
Rural areas have fewer chargers than cities and motorway corridors. If you regularly drive in remote regions, an electric truck may not be practical yet. Charger networks are expanding, but coverage remains uneven across the country.
Maintenance differences: what you still need to do and what you do not
Electric trucks need far less routine maintenance than diesel trucks. You do not change oil, replace spark plugs, service the transmission, or flush transmission fluid. The engine bay is simpler — mostly the battery, motor, and cooling system. Scheduled maintenance typically includes checking the brake fluid, inspecting brake pads (which wear slowly), rotating tyres, and topping up coolant if needed.
The battery management system monitors itself and alerts you if something is wrong. If the battery fails under warranty, the manufacturer replaces it. Brake fluid still needs checking because the truck has a traditional hydraulic brake system alongside the regenerative braking. Tyres wear at a normal rate, though the truck's weight means you need robust tyres rated for the load.
If something major fails — the motor, the power electronics, or the battery — repair costs are high because these parts are expensive and require specialist technicians. Most dealers have trained staff, but independent mechanics may not. This is one reason to buy from a manufacturer with a strong warranty and a network of service centres near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tow a caravan with an electric truck?
Yes, but with limits. Most electric trucks can tow 10,000 to 12,000 pounds, which covers many small to mid-size caravans. Towing cuts your range by 25 to 40 percent, so you need to plan charging stops. Heavier caravans or frequent long-distance towing may make a diesel truck more practical.
What happens to the battery in very cold weather?
Cold reduces battery capacity temporarily — you may lose 20 to 40 percent of your range in freezing temperatures. The battery recovers its full capacity when it warms up. Preheating the cabin while plugged in helps, because it uses charger power rather than battery power.
How long does an electric truck battery last?
Most batteries are warrantied for 8 to 10 years or 100,000 to 150,000 miles. Real-world data shows batteries retain 80 to 90 percent of capacity after 10 years. Degradation slows over time, so a 10-year-old battery still works well for most owners.
Can I charge an electric truck at a regular petrol station?
No. Petrol stations do not have chargers. You charge at home on a Level 2 charger, at workplaces with chargers, or at dedicated public charging networks. Fast chargers are found at motorway service stations and some shopping centres, but not at traditional petrol pumps.
Is an electric truck cheaper to own than a diesel truck over five years?
Usually yes, when you add up fuel and maintenance savings. The upfront cost is higher, but lower fuel costs and minimal maintenance often make the total cost of ownership lower by year three or four, depending on how much you drive and local electricity prices.