Industry insurer plugs into electric truck market
Truck insurer NTI has moved into the electric trucks segment decisively, with its Truck Assist service providing roadside assistance to SEA Electric vehicle operators while it offers a specific insurance approach.
Truck Assist nominates growing interest in green technology from truck owners as the impetus for the move to cover vehicles converted or manufactured by the Australian firm that is growing internationally.
“As a truck specialist it was important to us to support operators who were conscious of their environmental impact, looking for vehicle options which are cheaper in the long run, or simply striving to implement change in their business,” Truck Assist general manager Alan Hasted says.
“Drivers need access to emergency assistance should they break down, require a tow, lock themselves out or get a flat tyre.
“Our Truck Assist responders will be equipped to get SEA Electric’s vehicles back on the road or to an authorised vehicle dealer or repairer as quickly as possible to ensure minimal disruption to travel and business.”
Read about NTI’s newly launched safety hub, here
The provision of support services covers a need early adopters of EV trucks have identified and is in line with SEA Electric’s growing manufacturing ethos.
“Demand for the new zero emission trucks has been high with another 80 orders placed for delivery in 2021 and even greater numbers being planned for 2022 across the Australia and New Zealand region,” SEA Electric president Asia Pacific Bill Gillespie says.
In a move towards helping to normalise electric truck ownership, NTI is will also insure SEA Electric trucks, “offering premiums reflecting the value of the truck, not the traditional loading of premiums based on the perceived risk on electric vehicles”, it reveals.
NTI’s head of motor portfolio, Nick Dendrinos, underlines that NTI has taken “a hands-on approach to really understand electric trucks, how they work and what customers need.
“We’ve spent extensive time with SEA Electric understanding how these electric trucks are manufactured and configured, and what sort of damage could be sustained and repair options in the unfortunate event of an accident.”