Hydrogen and EVs could play a big role in trucking's future

This image, from June, shows a GenH2 Truck prototype being tested at a facility in Germany.

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Hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks could also serve as a solution in countries with limited battery charging options.

The business, part of the larger Volvo Group, stated, "Hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric trucks will be especially suitable for long-distance and heavy energy-demanding tasks."

Volvo Trucks announced in September that it would begin testing fuel cell electric trucks in what it termed "commercial traffic" starting from 2022.

Daimler Truck's ongoing tests exemplify how companies in the freight sector are exploring hydrogen as a viable option.

According to Daimler, "The development goal is a range of 1,000 kilometers [over 621 miles] or more," and they are targeting series production for the latter half of the decade.

In a statement issued in November, the business indicated plans for further tests of its Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck in mountainous regions.

This vehicle is not ordinary; it is a hydrogen-powered prototype that utilizes fuel cells and, according to Daimler Truck, emits only water vapor.

Last year, one truck completed a series of journeys across the Brenner Pass, a high-altitude route critical for transporting goods throughout Europe.

Daimler Truck and the Volvo Group have also formed a joint venture named cellcentric to focus on the manufacture of fuel cells, showcasing how collaboration is essential for developing hydrogen-powered transportation.

These initiatives happen at a time when action is needed to reduce overall transport-related emissions, particularly from larger vehicles crucial to the freight industry.

For example, the U.K. has asserted its goal for all new heavy goods vehicles to be zero-emission by 2040.

In the U.S., California aims for half of all heavy-duty truck sales in the state to be fully electric by 2030.

Meanwhile, the European Commission is intensifying CO2 emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles like trucks, noting that this category contributes to over 25% of greenhouse gas emissions from road transport in the EU and accounts for more than 6% of total GHG emissions.

With major economies focusing on a future centered around low and zero-emission technologies, decarbonizing the freight sector must be accelerated.

It is unsurprising that alongside hydrogen, battery electric vehicles are also being considered for trucking. Notable models include the Tesla Semi, Daimler Truck's Mercedes-Benz eActros, and the Volvo FH Electric. Other companies such as Scania and DAF are active in the battery electric sector as well.

A Range of Options

The question of which technology will dominate road-based freight transportation remains open.

Jonathan Walker, head of cities and infrastructure policy at Logistics UK, noted that companies operating van fleets are witnessing a notable shift towards electric vans for relatively limited operational ranges.

He commented, "Clearly, electric works well for urban operations," but there are still uncertainties regarding long-distance routes.

"We recognize that battery technology is advancing, but hydrogen offers a comparable alternative to diesel for short to medium-term applications," he added.

Transport & Environment, a Brussels-based campaign group, aims to outline how vehicle decarbonization in this sector will evolve.

According to T&E, "For two-thirds of road freight activity under 400 km, battery electric trucks are the most competitive technology and are approaching cost parity with conventional diesel trucks from a total cost of ownership perspective."

The outcome concerning the dominance of battery electric versus hydrogen solutions in the long-haul segment remains uncertain, T&E added.

Battery electric long-haul trucks may prove more cost-effective and energy-efficient, while hydrogen fuel cell trucks could deliver greater flexibility regarding refueling, making them suitable for specific niche applications.

Hydrogen's Challenges

The International Energy Agency describes hydrogen as a "versatile energy carrier" with a wide array of applications across different industries.

One method of producing hydrogen is through electrolysis, which uses electric current to split water into oxygen and hydrogen, with "green" or "renewable" hydrogen derived from renewable energy sources like wind or solar.

However, a significant amount of hydrogen is still generated from fossil fuels today.

"As a nation, we need to decide how we want to utilize hydrogen," Walker stated, highlighting discussions surrounding its use in heating, railways, and road transport.

"It's crucial for us to determine this, as hydrogen is abundant yet costly and carries its own environmental concerns during production."

Infrastructure Key

Regardless of which technology prevails, an extensive refueling and recharging network for hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric vehicles is necessary for their traction in the sector.

Walker emphasized this point, stating that the current infrastructure is lacking and highlighting the need for its development.

"A resilient network is essential to ensure that vehicles can conveniently refuel when they run out of range due to factors beyond the driver's control," he remarked.

Change in this regard appears imminent. The European Commission has embraced a provisional agreement for sufficient infrastructure to support hydrogen trucks for long distances.

This agreement sets targets for establishing charging stations for heavy-duty electric vehicles and hydrogen-powered trucks.

Conversely, Element 2, based in northern England, is working on building a "national network of hydrogen refueling stations" across the U.K. and Ireland.

The Future

Beyond road vehicles, hydrogen may significantly impact rail freight, with major companies like Alstom and Engie engaged in fuel cell projects.

Moving forward, Walker underscored the necessity of conducting trials on both battery-electric and hydrogen HGVs for long-distance freight journeys.

Rapid and effective trials, complemented by regular reporting, will ensure the industry remains updated on the findings.

If trials yield promising results for a specific technology, they could boost industry confidence to collaborate with manufacturers and invest in new innovations.

This would ideally create a virtuous cycle of industry investment, which in turn demands greater infrastructure investment, leading to mutual reinforcement between the two.