Could slower driverless trucks make electric long-haul easier to afford?

MAN eTGX electric tractor, shown for illustration. It is not the autonomous vehicle modelled in the ANU study. Image: MAN Truck & Bus.

Bigger batteries are not the only route to electric long-haul. ANU researcher Anthony Wiskich has modelled how autonomous operation could change the balance between speed, energy use and battery size.

The Sydney–Melbourne model finds that lower time costs can make slower running more economical. Reduced energy demand can support lighter battery packs or fewer charging stops.

The estimated advantage against diesel is comparable to cutting battery pack prices by about A$50 per kWh. It is a theoretical comparison, not a quoted truck price or a proven saving for an Australian operator.

Cost the whole job

The result relies on depot electricity being significantly cheaper than roadside charging. The study simplifies route logistics and driver rest stops, and does not evaluate the safety implications of trucks travelling at different speeds from other traffic.

The working paper was released in December 2025. Its findings offer a question for future fleet planning, rather than evidence that driverless electric linehaul is ready for purchase here.

Sources: ANU summary and working paper.