, "range anxiety" is a legitimate concern. However, some automakers are producing electric passenger vehicles that deliver extended ranges, with some surpassing 600 miles per charge.

These shifts extend beyond the car industry and into

commercial trucking

, where Swiss company Futuricum has developed a large truck that performed extremely well during range tests—setting the world record for the longest distance traveled on a single charge.

The longest distance an electric truck has gone

According to

InsideEVs

, the record-breaking feat was completed on a closed track by an electric delivery truck. The truck, used by German delivery company DPD, traveled nearly 683 miles at an average speed of 31 mph in 23 hours, despite less than ideal weather conditions. Two drivers operated the vehicle in alternating shifts on a blustery day with colder temperatures.

The Swiss-made Futuricum Logistics 18E truck was powered by multiple lithium-ion batteries originally from BMW. InsideEVs notes that Futuricum’s website advertises a maximum range of 472 miles for their trucks. The 18E blew this rating out of the water, however, there were some accommodations made that likely contributed to its success.

The 18E was outfitted with specific tires from Continental and it was driven by professionals who could manage the range most effectively. The weight of the truck was also much lighter during the range test than it usually would be during operating hours, as it wasn’t carrying any cargo.

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The challenge with commercial electric trucks

MORE: Where Can You Charge Your Rivian Vehicle?

As automakers rise to meet the demand for sustainably-powered vehicles with fewer carbon emissions, the

EV industry has boomed

, despite the widespread shortage of microchips.

Electric passenger vehicles have been generally well-received, with sales skyrocketing in recent times. The ranges they offer are typically suitable for the average daily commute, though EVs with extended ranges are in production. Electric commercial trucks present a somewhat more complicated situation.

As their name suggests, long-haul electric trucks need to be able to travel long distances to carry out their duties effectively and make the costs of operation worthwhile.

After all, commercial trucks usually rack up a lot of miles, and in an ideal world, stops for fuel would be minimal and low-cost. Powering commercial trucks electrically presents an enticing alternative, but for this to be viable on a broad scale, the trucks would probably need to offer competitive ranges. To do this, they would likely need to be packed with lots of batteries. The Futuricum 18E was brimming with 680 kWh, according to InsideEVs.

With their recent feat, Futuricum has proven that long-range electric commercial trucks can be a reality. It seems that now, the electric commercial trucks industry should only flourish.

Many automakers are creating or have already created electrified heavy-duty commercial vehicles for mass transport of goods and services. One North Carolina city has even put an electric garbage truck to work, taking a number of high-emission diesel-powered ones off their roads.

Freightliner and Thomas Built Buses, owned by parent company Daimler, have each launched electric service vehicles, as has Volvo. Tesla plans to launch their highly-anticipated semi-truck next year, though it has been in the works since 2017, according to

Electrek

CEO Elon Musk has said Tesla believes the "Semi will deliver a substantial reduction in the cost of cargo transport, while increasing safety and making it really fun to operate."

What could the future of electric trucks look like?

MORE: Here Are the Official Ranges for the Rivian R1T Pickup and R1S SUV

The role of cost is obviously an important factor in the transition to electric. Would it be more expensive for businesses to operate electric trucks than diesel ones?

Forbes

reported that by 2030, electric freight trucks could actually be 50% cheaper to own and operate than diesel-powered trucks. This would be enabled by increased networks of fast chargers, and improved ranges and prices for batteries.

In fact, battery prices have seen an 85% drop over the last decade, and this trend isn’t thought to be stopping anytime soon.

To offer a breakdown of the total savings potential, Forbes reported on the costs of ownership for an electric version of the heaviest long-haul truck out there, a Class 8, if it had a range of 375 miles. If the truck traveled 300 miles on average per day, it would be 13% cheaper on a per-mile basis than a diesel truck.

The overall lifetime savings afforded would add up to $200,000 for that truck alone.

Imagine what businesses could save in the long run if their entire fleets became electric! According to Forbes, the numbers could reach billion-dollar figures.

Forbes notes that the upfront costs for most electric trucks are expected to be more than diesel ones, but this shouldn’t dissuade purchasers. With cheaper batteries and better designs, among other anticipated factors, electric truck prices should fall in coming years, potentially cutting per-mile ownership costs to half of those for diesel trucks, and bringing the trucking industry’s more sustainable future within reach.

Commercial Trucks Electric Vehicles