By Eva Mitic, Marketing Manager, Dometic Mobile Power Solutions
December 11, 2024
In the competitive logistics landscape, delivery vehicles with liftgates are critical for deliveries of all types. However, these essential vehicles come with significant operational challenges. Rising costs for fuel and battery replacements are taking a bite out of profitability for most of the industry. Recently, solar power has emerged as an innovative solution, addressing key economic and operational concerns while driving substantial cost savings and improved fleet performance.
(Photo: Tommy Gate)
Understanding the Liftgate Dilemma
Delivery vehicles are the backbone of modern logistics but come with a hidden economic burden. Liftgates—those crucial mechanical platforms that lower and raise cargo—consume significant energy. Traditional approaches mean constant idling to ensure proper battery charging, frequent replacements, and substantial fuel expenses.
Let’s break down the real-world challenges fleet managers face. First, there’s the direct cost. Each battery replacement costs hundreds of dollars, which is often accepted as a simple cost of doing business. Then there’s fuel consumption—trucks often idle for hours to maintain battery charge, burning through diesel and cutting profit margins. But the indirect costs are even more compelling. Consider a missed delivery because of a dead battery. That’s not just a mechanical failure; it’s a potential loss of customer trust, possible contract penalties, and disrupted logistics chains.
Enter Solar Power: A Game-Changing Technology
Solar technology isn’t just an environmental statement or greenwashing exercise—it’s a strategic financial solution. By integrating solar panels into liftgate systems to charge the batteries, fleet managers can simultaneously address multiple operational pain points.
How exactly does this work? Solar panels provide a continuous, low-level charge to liftgate batteries. Solar panels generate power any time it’s light out, whether the vehicle is parked or driving. This means:
- Reduced idling time
- Lower fuel consumption
- Extended battery life
- Minimized emergency maintenance calls
Real-World Impact: A Practical Example
A mid-sized logistics company with 50 liftgate-equipped vehicles can implement solar to replenish battery power. Each vehicle idles roughly 2.5 hours per day, driving 300 days per year. On average, logistics companies are able to save $14 per vehicle daily, extend average battery life from 1 to 3 years, and save approximately $146,450 annually fleet-wide. Additionally, most companies see complete 
return on investment in around 9 months of purchasing and implementing a solar solution.
Various mid-sized and large companies have seen the drastic change in efficiency using solar solutions from companies like Go Power!. A leading food and beverage company, for example, was able to completely eliminate truck breakdown events by using Go Power!’s solar solutions, positively impacting supply chain mobility.
The Financial Mathematics of Solar Integration
The economics are surprisingly straightforward. Many solar users have seen the financial incentives trickle down as they continue the use of solar. An initial 330-watt solar kit investment of around $2000 per vehicle can be recovered through fuel cost reductions, fewer battery replacements, and decreased maintenance expenses. As time passes, these financial incentives go from becoming an investment for a solution to becoming money that businesses save.
Beyond Dollars: Environmental and Operational Benefits
This isn’t just about saving money. Solar-powered liftgates represent a forward-thinking approach to logistics. By reducing fossil fuel consumption, companies can:
- Lower carbon emissions
- Demonstrate corporate environmental responsibility
- Position themselves as innovative industry leaders
- Potentially qualify for green business certifications
Looking to the Future
Solar technology offers a resilient, adaptable solution as fuel prices fluctuate and environmental regulations become more stringent. It’s not just a technological upgrade—it’s a strategic investment in operational efficiency.
Solar liftgate technology isn’t just an option for fleet managers feeling the pressure of rising costs and sustainability mandates. It’s becoming a necessity.
About the Author
With a passion for renewable energy and innovative technologies, Eva Mitic manages the marketing department at Dometic Mobile Power Solutions. She aims to educate her audience by making highly technical content easy to understand.
Contact: gopowerfleet.com | [email protected] | +1 866.247.6527
