Optimizing total cost for electric truck fleet considering weight impact on energy consumption

The increasing adoption of electric trucks (E-trucks) in logistics highlights their potential for reducing total transportation costs and advancing sustainability. This study investigates the impact of payload on energy consumption, revealing that an 850 kg increase in payload results in a 14% rise in energy use. A cost-optimization model assigns payloads to trucks while considering constraints such as demand, working hours, payload and battery capacities, and truck availability. The analysis covers 20 customer nodes within single-charge distances (20–80 km) and payloads ranging from 13 to 32 tons. The optimal solution yields a total transportation cost of 50,992.73 THB, comprising fixed costs of 11,627.57 THB and variable costs of 19,682.58 THB. Fuel costs dominate variable expenses (76.02%), followed by maintenance (11.89%) and toll costs. Deliveries require nine 19-ton trucks and one 50-ton truck, completing 32 trips across all nodes. Energy consumption patterns show that neglecting the payload effect can underestimate consumption by up to 272.65 kWh. The study finds that while 50-ton trucks incur higher energy and maintenance costs, they are indispensable for nodes requiring longer distances or higher payload capacities. Comparatively, E-trucks reduce variable costs by 51.39% (2) over diesel trucks, driven by 49.74% lower fuel costs and 40.10% lower maintenance expenses, achieving a payback period of approximately four years with 56.56% of IRR. These findings underscore the importance of optimizing payload assignments and integrating factors such as energy consumption, battery capacity, and charging infrastructure into transportation planning. By leveraging E-trucks, businesses can lower costs, enhance operational efficiency, and contribute to sustainability goals. 16.11% reduce carbon emission in transportation.