Hydrogen vs. Electric: An Analysis for Long-Haul Trucking
![Hydrogen vs. Electric: An Analysis for Long-Haul Trucking](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/zlfgolrr/production/1489adaa0e9071b566f2a5531f44ad887aea2be4-1384x757.jpg?w=1384&h=757&auto=format)
Long-haul trucks act as the connective tissue of the American economy, playing a pivotal role in moving raw goods and finished products across the nation. To make this happen, fuel is constantly burning, contributing significantly to GHG emissions.
According to a policy analysis in Environmental Science and Technology: “Even though heavy-duty trucks (i.e., Class 7 and Class 8 trucks) represent only 1% of on-road vehicles, heavy-duty trucks account for 28% of U.S. on-road vehicles' energy consumption, 27% of on-road greenhouse gas emissions, and 47% of on-road vehicle NOx emissions.”
As the urgency to address climate change grows, the transportation sector faces mounting scrutiny and pressure to find cleaner alternatives to traditional combustion engines.
Currently, two prominent solutions are vying for the spotlight: electric and hydrogen trucking. While neither technology is capable of wholly replacing diesel engines at present, they represent the forefront of a clean transportation future.
What Are Electric Trucks?
Electric trucks (or EV trucks) are vehicles powered by electricity instead of traditional fuels like diesel or gasoline. They rely on large batteries that store and discharge electrical energy to drive electric motors. Several industry leaders are spearheading the transition to electrified trucking, including:
- Volvo Group – In collaboration with leading vehicle manufacturers, Daimler AG (parent company of Mercedes Benz) and Traton Group, Volvo has unveiled the VNR Electric, marking their significant foray into the realm of electrified semi-trucks.
- Nikola Motors – This innovative company plans to capitalize on both battery-electric and fuel-cell technologies. Their main attractions in the long-haul segment are the TWO FCEV and the TRE FCEV—both powered by fuel cells.
- Tesla – As the leading manufacturer of commercial EVs, Tesla has also sought to disrupt the green trucking industry with the Tesla Semi, which promises a 500-mile range on a single charge and a rapid recharge capability, adding 400 miles in just 30 minutes.
These developments underscore the growing momentum behind electric trucking solutions as the industry seeks cleaner and more sustainable alternatives to conventional diesel trucks.
Pros and Cons of Electric Trucks
As with any new technology, there are tradeoffs in the early stages of adoption when it comes to electric trucks entering the long-haul trucking sector.
Pros
- Reduced direct emissions – Electric trucks don't emit harmful greenhouse gasses or pollutants during operation or idling. This not only results in improved air quality, especially in urban environments, but also moves the needle toward climate goals.
- Long-term cost savings – While the upfront cost can be substantial, the reduced expenses associated with electricity compared to diesel, combined with fewer moving parts resulting in lower maintenance costs means that over the vehicle's lifespan, owners could experience significant savings.
- Quiet operation – Electric trucks operate with significantly reduced noise levels, a boon for nighttime deliveries where noise pollution is a concern. This could lead to more flexible delivery schedules without disturbing residential areas.
Cons
- Limited range – Currently, electric is a potential solution for short-hauling, but not a viable substitute for long-hauling. While strides are being made, electric semi-trucks currently have a range limitation of approximately 500 miles. This is inefficient compared to modern long-haul diesel trucks, which can go approximately 2,000 miles without stopping to fill up. For long-haul truckers, this would require more frequent stops for charging, potentially extending delivery times and increasing the total costs of operation.
- Higher upfront costs – The technology, batteries, and components used in electric trucks are still relatively expensive. This leads to a higher initial price, which can be a barrier to entry for many companies, especially smaller operations considering upgrading their fleet.
- Limited charging infrastructure – The charging infrastructure for electric trucks isn't as widespread or as fast as refueling diesel trucks. This can pose logistical challenges for trucking companies, potentially leading to longer downtimes during trips. And those recharges might take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours.
- Dependence on a fossil-fueled grid