Prominent figures in the industry emphasize the importance of reliable technology for truckers amid President Biden’s ongoing efforts to implement green energy policies impacting the trucking sector. Mike Kucharski, co-owner of JKC Trucking, expressed his frustration on a Fox Business show regarding the challenging situation created by new EPA regulations for trucking companies.
Kucharski highlighted the potential dangers of swiftly promoting electric vehicles within the trucking industry without sufficient testing and data. He argued that such a hasty approach could lead to disastrous consequences for companies, drivers, and other road users.
“Electric trucks, No. 1, are too expensive, and this technology is being pushed through way, way too fast with little testing and data,” he said. “Truckers need proven technology, because if technology fails, the entire supply chain will be dead in the water. Failure is not merely inconvenient, it’s catastrophic. And this is not an option, especially for the food supply chain of America.”
“The issues that we’re having with the trucks, with the heavy trucks, No. 1, this mandate is brand-new technology, and I support green energy. But it’s extremely frustrating because I don’t agree with the EPA. Because these regulations are not practical,” he continued.
“[The problem with EV semi trucks] number one, costs are astronomical. Too expensive. Two, infrastructure — power grid not ready, not enough charging stations. Three, testing and data is being done right now. We need more testing data. Four, driving range or range anxiety is real. Long-distance driving truck range for electric trucks is not practical. And then five, less cargo capacity due to the weight of the batteries. This will cause less goods and less foods delivered to the American people.”
Kucharski proposes a middle ground as a sensible compromise between advocates of green energy and the trucking industry. He suggests embracing hybrid tractor trailers, which would align with evolving regulations while providing a dependable means for the trucking sector to continue efficiently transporting goods. This compromise, according to Kucharski, strikes a balance by incorporating environmental considerations without jeopardizing the reliability of freight delivery.
“Truckers need an affordable hybrid truck, as you say, with two power system. Because if one shuts down or breaks, the other one continues,” he said.