“How is this any kind of advantage over a ICE powered truck, except for the torque?””
One advantage is the engine can be designed to run at optimal load and rpm and not lose energy through mechanical losses in transmission and rest of drivetrain. But then you have to subtract due to charging inefficiencies and battery and e-motor weight. So it seems dumb overall.
I have always liked the concept of using ICE to drive electric in the same way Diesel Locomotives or various ships do. The torque advantage is pretty clear, I am told.
But I admit to only looking at it from the mechanical/performance perspective, because I wholly reject the idiotic climate change perspective.
Electricity comes from somewhere, not from fairy dust and unicorn farts, and definitely not from those outlets on the walls. It is produced inside the vehicle via ICE, or it is produced externally via coal, petroleum, hydropower, or nuclear. I don’t even take into account wind or solar, as it is still a small percentage.