You’ve probably heard a lot of noise about electric trucks and vans hitting the roads. Zero emission vehicles – ZEVs for short – are popping up more and more, whether they’re battery electric, hydrogen, or hybrids.
It’s no surprise tradies are eyeing them off, too. ZEV’s can make a lot of sense for those who travel short distances. But one thing you might be asking yourself is: what’s the go with insurance and roadside assistance?
Truck Assist and parent company NTI have been backing transport and logistics operators for decades, so they too have been doing the hard yards when it comes to supporting those looking to enter the ZEV market.
From working with manufacturers and repairers, to engaging directly with industry—they understand what it means to operate and maintain ZEVs in the real world, and how to help tradies make the switch without getting stung.
Are ZEVs more expensive to insure?
As NTI’s National Development Manager Craig Carmody explains it’s not the electric motor, the batteries, or the hydrogen tank that solely drive your insurance costs up. It is more nuanced than that.
“Customers are not paying extra just because their truck’s electric,” Craig said.
“There’s no sneaky loading on the policy. What matters most is the value of the vehicle, and currently ZEVs do tend to cost more up front than your typical diesel workhorse.”
Truck Assist looks at the full picture too – how you use it, where you drive, what equipment you may also be carrying, and your history with claims. It’s business as usual.
What about roadside and smash repairs – can ZEVs actually be fixed?
Absolutely, depending on the damage – and that’s been a key focus for Truck Assist.
“We’re already supporting repairs on ZEVs by working with our Premium Repairer network to ensure they have access to the right training and tools for the job,” Craig said.
“We have strong partnerships with OEMs, including newer local players in the ZEV space like Foton Mobility, Hyundai Trucks and let’s not forget Hino have had a Hybrid around for over 15 years.”
“Some of the safety procedures are different, but repairing a ZEV isn’t a total mystery – it just requires the right approach. When it makes sense to repair instead of replacing, that’s the road we’ll go down.”
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But Truck Assist’s ZEV offering doesn’t just stop at insurance. The support also extends to roadside assistance, so you’re not left stuck on the side of the road if something goes pear-shaped.
“We are also very active in the roadside assistance space, including the provision of roadside support for a number of the new EV trucks on the market,” Craig added.
“The roadside offering includes the standard things like tyres, lockouts flat battery and of course towing.”
So, should you jump in now?
Look, ZEVs aren’t a “someday” thing – they’re already on the road. But that doesn’t mean every tradie needs run out and order one tomorrow.
What does matter is being informed and knowing the support is there if you make the move.
Truck Assist isn’t just slapping insurance on these things—they’re out to help you stay safe, protected and keep your business moving.