Hydrogen logistics network design for hydrogen fuel cell electric long-haul trucks

Amid growing efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable freight transport, hydrogen fuel cell electric long-haul trucks (FCETs) have emerged as an alternative to conventional diesel vehicles. This study aims to identify cost-effective and environmentally sustainable hydrogen delivery logistics to support the transition to cleaner transportation. A comparative analysis is conducted on three hydrogen delivery pathways, gaseous hydrogen, liquid hydrogen, and ammonia carriers, for serving hydrogen FCETs. A mixed-integer programming model is developed to evaluate total system costs, encompassing hydrogen production, delivery, terminal and refueling station operations, and distribution. Findings reveal that the liquid hydrogen pathway currently offers the lowest cost and greenhouse gas emissions under U.S. market conditions. In the baseline scenario with a 10% FCET market share, the levelized hydrogen cost is estimated at $4.6/kg. For other pathways to become competitive, operational costs of gaseous hydrogen stations and energy losses in ammonia cracking must be significantly reduced. • A hydrogen logistics model for supporting long-haul trucks. • Three hydrogen delivery pathways evaluated: gas, liquid, and ammonia. • Liquid hydrogen pathway offering the lowest cost and emissions. • A U.S. hydrogen logistics network for freight transportation. • Estimated Levelized hydrogen cost at U.S. refueling stations.