Battery powertrains can create roomier trucks

Weight limits govern how much cargo a commercial vehicle (CV) can carry, but the size and shape of its payload can also bring limitations. The hope is that battery electric powertrains could create more space for packages to be stowed, boosting the utility of vehicles.

Fleets that are tasked with carrying a high volume of goods—such as a distribution trucks or delivery vans—must cram in as many packages as possible. However, goods that come with bulky packaging can quickly fill up the cargo area before the weight limit is ever met. Fragile or expensive orders can take up even more room. This is why storage capacity is a key design element.

Most light-duty CVs have