In this episode of Electrada Quick Charge, we discuss how fleet battery costs remain the single largest contributor to the price of electric trucks. While battery prices have dropped significantly since 2008, raw materials still account for roughly 70% of the total production cost. And because materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel are stabilizing in price, big cost cuts are unlikely in the near future.
This is one reason battery electric trucks still cost nearly twice as much upfront as diesel models. But that’s only part of the story—battery costs must be evaluated across the full lifecycle, not just at purchase.
How to Reduce Fleet Battery Costs Over Time
Total Cost of Ownership and Fleet Battery Planning
A growing number of fleets are looking at total cost of ownership (TCO) to manage long-term costs. Lower fuel and maintenance expenses help offset high fleet battery costs—but timing matters. With megawatt charging networks on the horizon, operators may soon use smaller, more efficient batteries.
Second-Life Value and Recycling
Batteries that drop below 80% performance may not be truck-worthy but still have value. Fleet operators can repurpose used batteries for charging station storage or backup power. Even after that, key materials can be recycled, helping reduce future battery costs and supporting sustainability targets.
Why Partnering with an Electric Fuel Provider Makes Sense
Electric Fuel providers like Electrada play a key role in managing fleet battery costs through infrastructure design, energy optimization, and battery lifecycle planning. Our 360 CaaS model offers a predictable pricing structure, performance guarantees, and integrated planning that accounts for battery degradation, replacement timelines, and second-life strategies.
Ready to optimize your fleet? Learn more about Electrada Electric Fuel and how it represents a fully integrated approach that can reduce your fleet’s fuel cost per mile from day one. Get in touch to learn more.
