While EV’s aren’t the new kids on the block anymore, there is definitely a lot of terminology + ins and outs of all things EV.
We’ve broken down a few of the most common FAQs and things you should know about EVs and JAC EV Trucks:
You might see a few different EV ranges used in vehicle marketing and specifications.
One example of this are the factory tested ‘WLTP’ or ‘NEDC’ ranges that many manufacturers use (and are often required to do so in passenger vehicles), however these don’t necessarily reflect a ‘real world’ range.
With this in mind, we have also extensively tested our JAC EV Trucks here in NZ loaded up in city conditions, giving an indicative up to 200km ‘real world’ range.
The last thing we’d want to happen is for you to be sold on a factory tested range that might not actually stack up in the real world – especially once you’ve got a body + load on the back of your truck.
We also have several JAC EV Trucks already being used by Kiwis, such as Woolworths and KiwiHarvest – take a look at the KiwiHarvest page to learn more about their route and range they are achieving.
If you’re a little unsure about driving an EV Truck vs a Diesel Truck you’re in for a treat!
EVs can be a great way to reduce driver fatigue, while not only being almost silent, they also don’t require gear changes – simply pop them in drive and you’re away… there’s really not much to it other than the fact its super easy and comfortable to drive.
When considering charging your EV truck during driving it is easy to make sure you have enough charge to get the job done. We recommend charging your EV when back at base/home, or topping up when out and about, for example while you’re loading/unloading, or at many of the EV charging stations around NZ. There are a few handy websites/apps around such as Plug Share, that show you where your closest chargers are.
JAC Trucks have options for both AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current) charging.
Most truck applications use a DC Charger installed at the truck’s depot/HQ, making the most of energy pricing typically around 30cents per kwh including GST (subject to change depending on your plan and pricing). For the JAC EV Truck’s battery this means that a full charge (from 0 to 100%) would only cost around $32 including GST.
JAC’s EV Trucks have a plug that is called CCS2 aka ‘Combined Charging System Type 2’
CCS2 DC – Fast Charging: Uses a DC EV Charger – this might look like the ones they have at EV charging stations, or ones that get installed on your garage wall. Charging with CCS2 can see your JAC truck reach 80% charge in as little as 48 minutes*.
AC Charging: Often takes place with a charger that uses the Trucks OBC aka ‘on board charger’ – the OBC unit takes the AC power received from an AC Charger and converts it into DC power to be able to charge the battery. AC Charging is often slower than DC Charging, however depending on your use case for your truck this might still suit, for example if you are plugging in your truck for a longer time overnight and/or if you are not using a large amount of battery on your typical run.
The great thing about EV trucks is that you can charge them while you are loading/unloading them – adding extra range to your journey with no down time that could be taken up by refueling. For example, your truck depot/HQ could have a charger that sits next to your loading bay making it easy to give the truck a top up while loading, optimising your trucks time.
JAC EV Trucks have a 107kwh battery. Typically you would not charge the Truck from 0%, however if you were to complete a full charge from 0 to 100% then it will typically to cost around $32 including GST to charge the Truck.
This is based on a cost of 30 cents/kwh including GST charging the truck at your depot or HQ.
The maths is easy: 107 x $power cost
If you charge at a public charging station the cost can be higher as you are paying for convenience, sometimes this could be 60-90 cents/kwh.
There are a bunch of different factors that can affect the efficiency of your driving and increase or decrease your range.
JAC EV Trucks are equipped with regenerative braking which is great as it means that kinetic energy can be captured when braking and stored in your vehicles electric batteries giving you additional range. They also have an ‘ECO’ function which is ideal for coasting down hills to recoup as much charge as possible.
There are a few factors that can impact your range (similar to the same factors that impact your fuel economy in a standard vehicle), including driving style, road conditions (up hill, poor grip), weather conditions (wind resistance), or even the condition of your tyres.
JAC Light EV Trucks are best suited to city driving doing ‘last-mile-delivery’ of whipping around city streets to complete your jobs. The reason for this is due to the regenerative braking that takes place in city driving much more often, you’ll be surprised by how efficient driving an EV Truck around the city really can be.
Good news! Servicing an EV will cost you less than servicing a diesel truck.
With less moving parts, and no engine oil + filter changes EV’s are considerably easier and more affordable to maintain.
JAC Trucks are supported by Southpac Trucks who already support NZ up and down the country with sales and servicing of trucks.
The good thing about a JAC EV truck is that you can usually position them close enough to a public charger to give them a top up when you are out and about.
If you know you need to stop for a coffee break or pit stop, why not pick somewhere that has an EV charger, that way you can top up your EV range during your down time!
We recommend using the app www.plugshare.com or try out the map from NZTA at www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/ev-chargers
As a qualifying business you can receive 25% or up to $35,000 off an EV Truck purchase.
Our team will do the hard yards for you with the application. Our team claim the grant from EECA so you don’t have to do anything, but receive the discount!
JAC Trucks are backed in New Zealand by Southpac Trucks. You might be familiar with Southpac who already support well known brands such as DAF and Kenworth.
Southpac have a full national network of technicians and parts distribution to support your JAC Truck.
