FIRESIDE CHAT TOPIC: Testing the short-term needs for electric vehicles
DETAILS: Electrification is a learning curve for commercial fleets and OEMs. One of the leading players, Ryder System Inc. (NYSE:R), is testing the waters with electrified vehicles. Ryan Salvail, who is at the forefront of Ryder’s EV efforts, says the landscape is both embryonic and evolutionary. Production at a meaningful scale has yet to begin. There may be substantial up-front costs to convert fleets to electrification. Technologies will change rapidly, charging infrastructure will need to become top of mind, and the upskilling of technicians to service the new equipment will be required. Salvail spoke to Mark B. Solomon, senior writer at FreightWaves.
SPEAKER: Salvail is the director of advanced vehicle technology for Ryder System.
BIO: Salvail leads new and existing sales channels with Ryder’s internal and external teams, providing overall product and sales guidance in the areas of advanced vehicle technology, advanced fuel, charging infrastructure and regulatory environment for Ryder’s commercial offerings.
KEY QUOTES FROM SALVAIL:
“Technology evolution is going to move quickly. Vehicles could look different than they do today in a short period of time.”
“I think grants and incentives are necessary for early adoption. There is definitely a premium for these vehicles.”
“When we talk to fleets, we find that the issue of [battery] charging is overlooked and often undervalued. Charging is the key to proper vehicle utilization.”
On leaving the fossil fuel comfort zone: “Change is hard. This is a different application. However, as the performance of EVs becomes comparable to that of [internal combustion engines], we will have better use cases.”
On the challenges in training maintenance and repair technicians: “It’s yet to be seen what the maintenance demands will be on the vehicles. However, you’re going to need a high certification of tech to work on them.”
Brokerage Compliance Symposium
The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
F3 Awards Dinner
The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
F3: Future of Freight Festival
Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowThe night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowIndustry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now