Analysis of the Design Space for Battery- and Fuel Cell-Powered Medium- and Heavy-Duty Trucks Based on a Simplified Cost of Ownership Evaluation

<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">Diverse solutions will likely be needed to decarbonize the commercial truck sector in the United States. Battery-powered vehicles play a predominant role but in some cases, fuel cell trucks are more advantageous for the consumer. This study examines several medium- and heavy-duty applications designed for different driving range requirements to identify the design space where battery and fuel cell trucks are attractive. Also considered are the impacts of purchase price, fuel cost, and vehicle usage. We examine the top 10 truck classes as well as bus applications based on vehicle population, fuel usage, and driving distances. We assume a 2030 scenario where both batteries and FC systems become less costly and more efficient, as targeted by the U.S. Department of Energy. Even for smaller-class vehicles, where battery electric vehicles are expected to be the most economical among clean vehicle solutions, the results are not straightforward. Based on vehicle design, usage, and external operating conditions, some scenarios exist in which fuel cell-based powertrains are necessary to meet consumer needs. In heavier vehicles with long-range operational requirements, fuel cell-powered trucks are already seen as the leading contender to diesel. This work also quantifies the impact of new powertrain weight on cargo carrying capacity, and the need for additional downtime for recharging or refueling. These estimates could potentially guide future technological development to ameliorate the detrimental impact of these factors by guiding future cost reduction targets for these technologies to ensure competitiveness.</div></div>