The rise of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) has revolutionized the transportation industry, and the adoption of electric tractor-trailers is gaining momentum.
As fleet operators shift towards greener and more sustainable transportation solutions, it’s essential to understand the maintenance requirements specific to battery-electric tractor-trailers.
In this blog post, we will delve into the expected maintenance and scheduled maintenance intervals for these vehicles, covering battery maintenance, tire and brake maintenance, trailer maintenance, fleet maintenance shop upgrades and technical training requirements.
Although no one knows how the actual maintenance schedule for BEVs will shake out, our technicians at Ultimate Fleet Repair have been trained, completed some hands-on maintenance on BEVs, and are ready to assist your fleet.
Battery Maintenance
The battery is the heart of any battery-electric tractor-trailer, and proper maintenance is crucial to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Regular battery maintenance includes monitoring the state of the charge, checking battery health, and performing capacity tests. Battery management systems track the battery’s performance and detect any abnormalities.
Scheduled intervals for battery maintenance typically involve regular inspections and servicing, along with periodic deep cycling, to ensure proper cell balancing and maximize battery life.
Tire & Brake Maintenance: The Most Significant Portion of Electric Vehicle Maintenance
Tire and brake maintenance is significant for electric vehicles, including tractor-trailers, due primarily to the increased torque.
Regular tire inspections for proper tread depth and pressure are still essential to ensure optimal performance and safety. Additionally, tire rotation and alignment should be conducted at scheduled intervals to promote even tire wear and extended tire life.
Brake maintenance, on the other hand, is significantly different for battery-electric vehicles. With regenerative braking, electric motors slow down the vehicle, reducing reliance on traditional friction brakes.
As a result, brake pads and rotors experience less wear compared to conventional diesel-powered tractor-trailers. However, routine inspections are still necessary to ensure proper function, and brake fluid levels should be checked and maintained.
Trailer Maintenance
While much of the maintenance for battery-electric tractor-trailers overlaps with traditional vehicles, certain considerations apply to the trailer.
Regular inspections of the trailer’s electrical systems, including lighting and connectors, are vital to ensure safe operation.
Additionally, to guarantee optimal performance and longevity, preventive maintenance of trailer suspension and wheel bearings should not be overlooked.
Trailer maintenance should be conducted at the same time as the truck for gasoline and BEVs.
Fleet Maintenance Shop Upgrades
Fleet maintenance shops must undergo specific upgrades to accommodate the maintenance and repair needs of battery-electric tractor-trailers.
These upgrades primarily revolve around diagnostic and software tools. Advanced diagnostic equipment tailored for BEVs is necessary to accurately assess the condition of batteries, electric motors, and other vehicle components.
Furthermore, software upgrades for battery management systems and other vehicle systems should be performed periodically to ensure the latest features, bug fixes and performance enhancements are in place.
Technician Training Requirements
With the increasing prevalence of battery-electric tractor-trailers, technicians must stay current with the latest technology and diagnostic procedures.
Training programs should focus on diagnostic and computer-generated upgrades specific to electric vehicles. Technicians must understand the intricacies of battery systems, electric motor operation, and specialized tools used in electric vehicle maintenance.
By equipping technicians with the necessary expertise, fleet maintenance shops can ensure efficient and effective servicing of battery-electric tractor-trailers.
Taking a Specialized Approach
Maintaining battery-electric tractor-trailers requires a specialized approach to address the unique needs of these vehicles.
Battery maintenance, tire and brake maintenance, trailer maintenance, fleet maintenance shop upgrades, and technician training requirements are all crucial aspects that fleet operators and maintenance shops must consider.
By implementing proper maintenance practices and using UFR as your scheduled PM partners, fleet managers and owner-operators can maximize their battery-electric tractor-trailers’ performance, reliability, and longevity, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for the transportation industry.
Call UFR to Ensure Your BEVs Get the Best PM Possible
Call UFR today to schedule any of the above services at (651) 454-8775, or get in touch via our contact form.
