While a handful of states are working to electrify trucking, that effort has largely focused on new electric trucks rather than converting older ones.

Long-haul trucking is a huge part of the economy and has a big carbon footprint. But the vehicles can be costly and the infrastructure sparse.

It’s not easy to start a carmaker, especially with rivals like Tesla, GM, Ford and Toyota, which have market share and manufacturing experience.

“On the supply side, it’s very clear that they were not planning for such a high demand,” one expert told us.

Electric vehicles have been known more for eco-consciousness and finesse than ruggedness and power.