Getting the balance right for cost-effective truck fleet decarbonisation

Electrification of trucks has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector. It remains unclear for fleet operators whether a homogeneous or mixed fleet of battery and hydrogen trucks is the most cost-effective way to decarbonise transport operations. This study evaluates the total cost of ownership, well-to-wheel greenhouse gas emissions, and total cost of carbon abatement for homogeneous and mixed truck fleets. The required driving distance strongly impacts zero-emission trucking choices. For short distances below 200 km/day for 7.5t trucks and 600 km/day for 40t trucks, a battery fleet is the most economical solution. For long driving distances above 450 km/day for 7.5t and 850 km/day for 40t trucks, a hydrogen fleet is the most economical solution. Only for a range of intermediate driving distances, a mixed fleet proves to be economical. The findings show that both battery and hydrogen technologies have a role in decarbonising trucks.