The trucking industry faces increasing pressure to switch to more sustainable transportation solutions to reduce environmental impact. Regulations like the California Advanced Clean Fleets mandate drive fleets to adapt and adopt cleaner transportation technologies. Trucking companies also recognize sustainability’s business benefits, such as reduced fuel costs and improved public perception.
To meet this growing demand for sustainable transportation, innovative companies like Dragonfly Energy are developing cutting-edge battery systems designed specifically for the medium- and heavy-duty trucking market. These advanced battery systems enable trucking fleets to meet their environmental needs and operational goals.
In this article, we explore how you can harness innovative battery technology to transform your fleet and help pave the way for a greener future.
The Importance of OEM Partnerships in Trucking
In the transportation industry, OEMs maintain quality standards and meet the needs of fleet managers. Because they specialize in specific components, they can achieve superior quality and more reliable and durable parts. This extends vehicle lifespans and reduces maintenance downtime for fleet operators.
OEM partnerships can advance technology and improve fleet performance in numerous ways. Let’s explore some examples.
Hybrid Electrification: A Practical Approach for Fleets
While full electrification remains a long-term goal for the transportation industry, hybrid electrification offers an immediate and attainable solution for fleets seeking to reduce emissions and operational costs today. Instead of replacing diesel engines entirely, this approach integrates advanced lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery technology to power essential systems, eliminating the need for idling and significantly improving overall efficiency.
For long-haul trucking, hybrid electrification means incorporating all-electric auxiliary power units (APUs) or power packs to handle hotel loads—such as HVAC systems, lighting, and onboard electronics—without relying on the main engine. This innovation allows fleets to cut fuel consumption, extend engine life, and comply with evolving environmental regulations, all without the high costs and infrastructure challenges associated with fully electric trucks.
Stevens Transport and Dragonfly Energy are leading the charge in implementing hybrid electrification by pairing combustion engines with LiFePO4 batteries to create a cost-effective, sustainable solution that enhances fleet performance without increasing operational costs. This approach enables fleets to take a meaningful step toward decarbonization while maintaining the reliability and efficiency required for long-haul operations.
Hybrid electrification is more than just a transitional strategy—it’s a smart, scalable solution delivering immediate benefits while laying the groundwork for a cleaner, more sustainable future in transportation.
Benefits of Lithium Power Solutions in Trucking
Incorporating lithium-ion battery solutions offers numerous benefits compared to other battery types. They have a high energy density and superior storage capacity for longer runtimes and more power. These batteries are significantly lighter, which reduces vehicle weight and have a much longer lifespan.
Lithium-ion batteries can be discharged deeper without damage and charge faster than other battery types for greater efficiency and flexibility. They require minimal maintenance, withstand heavy usage and harsh conditions, and have smart protective systems to enhance safety.
Beyond functional benefits, they’re also more environmentally friendly. They don’t emit harmful gases, they’re largely recyclable, and their longer lifespan reduces waste. The advanced battery management system (BMS) allows better monitoring and control.
Lithium batteries provide superior performance and reliability for specific applications like liftgates and hotel loads in long-haul trucks. They lower maintenance costs, enhance usability, and reduce emissions, improving fleet operators’ economics and regulatory compliance.
Dragonfly Energy’s Strategic Partnerships in Sustainable Transportation
Dragonfly Energy takes a different approach than many transportation companies focused on fully electrifying their fleets. Instead, we champion a more immediate and attainable solution: hybrid electrification.
Stevens Transport
Dragonfly Energy has partnered with Stevens Transport, one of North America’s largest temperature-controlled freight carriers, to transition its 2,500-truck fleet to lithium power solutions. The hybrid approach provides cost-effective sustainability benefits. It will reduce emissions and fuel costs while enhancing performance and driver comfort.
The partnership furthers our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and enhancing fuel efficiency. Through hybrid battery solutions for fleets, we aim to lead the logistics industry to more sustainable trucking initiatives.
Highway Transport
Dragonfly Energy has also partnered with Highway Transport to bring clean energy solutions to the commercial trucking sector. The North American chemical transportation leader is integrating our Battle Born All-Electric APU into its fleet of over 500 trucks.
Highway Transport’s “Green Treads” sustainability initiative aligns with the benefits of the Battle Born APU, which include improved driver comfort and reliability. The product lets drivers operate HVAC, appliances, and other electronics while the truck is turned off for increased comfort.
It also produces zero harmful emissions and eliminates loud engine idling. The unit recharges during driving, which is expected to reduce fuel costs for Highway Transport while increasing sustainability.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Trucking With Dragonfly Energy
Hybrid technologies will be critical in the coming years as the trucking industry seeks ways to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. Dragonfly Energy is spearheading the transition to more sustainable transportation.
We offer seamless integration of advanced hybrid systems featuring a high-performance lithium battery system that offers a long-lasting, efficient, and maintenance-free power solution. This allows for the operation of hotel loads and liftgates without relying on the truck’s engine, providing cost-effective and eco-friendly alternatives. Solar can also integrate renewable energy into your system.
Our award-winning lithium power units tailored for the trucking industry come with:
- A proprietary battery management system for improved safety
- A built-in heater for cold-temperature charging
- The option for Dragonfly IntelLigence technology, a full wireless system to monitor the battery from anywhere and receive battery status and health alerts
Dragonfly Energy has made hybrid electrification for the trucking industry more viable with lithium battery solutions that don’t require you to replace a single vehicle in your fleet—partner with us to start your green transition today.
