Right now, most transport companies are utilizing fuel over electricity.
But how is the landscape for transport companies changing? And how is science used to help auto transport companies travel farther and use less energy while doing it?
Today, we'll get into that and more below.
Let's get started.
Electric Big Rigs
One way transport companies like A1 Auto Transport can start utilizing science right away to improve fuel usage is by using electric big rig trucks. Right now, they can go up to 500 miles on a single charge, compared to 900 to 2000 miles from fuel-powered semi-trucks.
Unfortunately, for long-distance travel, this is not entirely plausible as of now as transport companies rely on making deadlines, and waiting to recharge for half an hour is going to delay the deliveries of vehicles even further.
However, this doesn't mean domestic shipments can't still utilize electric semi-trucks. With the future of electricity, it's only going to get easier to recharge these vehicles and travel longer.
Investment in electric vehicles is going to help drastically reduce fuel usage and, thus, better the world and the environment. No matter which way you look at it, as long as humans exist, transport businesses will be required to transit the world. Now, it's just about how we can reduce the carbon footprint along the way!
Electric Ships
While tiny, there is still a ship that can carry 100 containers and run 100% on electricity while also being autonomous. Just recently in late 2021, the ship Yara Birkeland made its first autonomous travel on its 7MWh battery.
A ship like this costs around 25 million dollars and is almost three times more expensive than a traditional fuel-powered trip. While it may not be feasible for transport companies to utilize ships like this, it is merely paving the road for a cleaner future, using less fuel.
By 2030, it's estimated that the global market for electric ships will reach $16.2 billion. Considering cargo ships are out at sea and get a lot of sunshine, it isn't out of the question that, with innovations in solar panels and electric motors, eventually, all cargo ships will be self-sustainable.
Fully Autonomous Driving
When a fully automated AI is given the chance to create a flow of traffic, it may seem horrifying to the human eye. Vehicles are moving within inches of each other while maintaining very high speeds.
While it doesn't seem like this will be a reality any time soon, if all vehicles were powered by AI, it would be possible to increase the flow of traffic and create faster delivery times. This, however, would require every vehicle to be powered by AI and run under the same network.
The future is unclear as of now, but AI driving is going to be the best way to move forward. For now, transport companies can use route planners to avoid any delays and utilize AI to help reduce delivery times.
AI on the Back End
Artificial intelligence can mean a lot of different things, from ChatGPT to Siri, but even basic forms of AI can help any business move forward. AI can go through tons of data and spit out the best possible result for a set of circumstances.
With that in mind, many companies are innovating with AI by optimizing their current business. Transport companies utilize not only the real world but also the online-facing avenues. By combining the two, it's possible to optimize further delivery routes that were not thought possible beforehand.
Not only that, but it can also help reduce logistic issues on the back end, like tons of paperwork or other tasks that can take up time and delay deliveries. With such an easy way to process tons of data, the optimization that can result from the utilization of artificial intelligence can help not only transport companies but all businesses worldwide in this societal shift we're all facing.
Conclusion
The landscape of auto transport companies is undergoing a transformative shift driven by scientific advancements that promise to enhance efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and minimize environmental impact. The integration of electric big rig trucks presents a viable option for short-distance travel, offering a significant reduction in fuel usage. Although challenges remain for long-haul journeys due to current charging limitations, the evolving infrastructure of electric vehicles suggests a future where domestic shipments can fully embrace this eco-friendly solution.
Moreover, the maritime industry is making strides with electric ships, exemplified by vessels like the Yara Birkeland, a fully autonomous, electrically powered container ship. While the initial costs are higher compared to traditional fuel-powered counterparts, the projected growth in the global market for electric ships signals a promising trend towards cleaner, more sustainable maritime transport.
The prospect of fully autonomous driving powered by artificial intelligence introduces the potential for streamlined traffic flow and faster delivery times. Although the realization of a fully automated traffic network remains uncertain, current applications of AI, such as route planners, are already aiding transport companies in optimizing their operations, reducing delays, and enhancing overall efficiency.
