5 surprising facts about the operating cost of electric trucks in 2026

The operating costs of electric trucks in Chile have already matched or even surpassed those of diesel vehicles. This is not just a future prediction: it is a reality that is changing the cargo transport industry in the country.

Although seeing an electric truck on the road is still a rare sight, its economic impact is beginning to be more than palpable, especially for companies that bet on this technology.

How does the operating cost of electric trucks compare to diesel ones in Chile?

Why is this comparison of interest to transporters?

Chilean transporters face an unavoidable change because the cost per kilometer of an electric truck is currently lower than that of a diesel truck. This situation is due to factors such as rising oil prices and the drop in electricity costs, which combined make maintaining only diesel trucks a significant financial risk.

What are the key price and consumption figures?

A new diesel truck is priced between 130,000 and 180,000 US dollars, while an electric one is around 200,000 dollars. Energy efficiency, however, tips the scale. For example, the cost of diesel equals about 400 pesos per kilometer, while electricity for an electric truck stays between 200 and 300 pesos per kilowatt/hour. This represents an approximate saving of 100 pesos per kilometer in favor of electric trucks, a difference that makes the higher initial investment pay off in 2 to 3 years.

Which electric truck models are revolutionizing the sector?

What are the characteristics of the Chinese Windrose truck?

The Windrose truck, very similar to the Tesla Semi but with three more years of market presence, stands out for its range of up to 700 kilometers, a reduced weight by 1,000 kg compared to competitors, and a 705 kWh battery. In Chile, it can cover about 500 km daily with an 80% recharge in only 40 minutes at high-power charging points.

How do they ensure durability and efficiency?

The electric truck is guaranteed for six years or one million kilometers on the battery, while diesel trucks normally only have a one-year warranty. This robustness means the total service life of the vehicle can reach 10 years of service, a detail that reassures operators amid technological uncertainty.

What immediate future awaits the electric fleet in Chile?

How is the Trailer Logistics fleet evolving?

Trailer Logistics, with a fleet of 50 trucks, already operates two electric trucks for major clients such as Cencosud and Codelco, demonstrating that this technology is not a trend but a concrete commitment. According to Hernán Searle, general manager, growth will be steady but gradual, with a forecast of nearly 50 electric trucks on Chilean roads by early 2027.

What challenges remain for the electric truck?

The main obstacles continue to be the charging infrastructure and range, which still do not cover all the needs of drivers who travel between 500 and 700 km daily. Nonetheless, vehicle improvements and the emergence of fast charging points like those of Copec Voltex and EnelX point to an imminent change.

The reality is that the electric truck is no longer a futuristic alternative but an economic reality that challenges the diesel monopoly in cargo transportation in Chile. Those who lag behind may end up paying a higher price.