Opportunities and barriers of fuel cell heavy-duty trucks: A multi-dimensional comparison with battery-electric heavy-duty trucks

Christoph Müller

Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 2025, vol. 195, issue C

Abstract: Fuel cell heavy-duty trucks (FC-HDT) have due to their longer range, shorter refuelling time and higher payload the potential to decarbonize road freight transportation, while political strategies are increasingly on battery-electric heavy-duty trucks (BE-HDT). As the scarce scientific literature points to further hydrogen research, limitations in analyzed dimensions and the missing involvement of investing transportation companies, this paper compares the two technologies using an extended socio-technical approach. Successful transitions in long-established systems require a multi-dimensional view, and therefore, the theory of diffusion of innovation is extended with the PESTLE analysis, as political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental dimensions allow a systematic research. In order to provide a comprehensive comparison and a future technology indication, this study combines a literature review with 40 high-level expert interviews, paying particular attention to the contribution of new, unexpected narratives. Identified opportunities, and barriers reinforce advantages of BE-HDT, but opportunities of FC-HDT in individual dimensions and indicators show the high potential for system integration, with social and environmental factors contributing significantly to existing scientific research. However, as hydrogen is a key component of decarbonization, government should focus on a quota system for funded powertrain technologies to achieve a required tipping point as critical mass for widespread deployment, combined with targeted acceptance and information campaigns.

Keywords: Hydrogen; Battery-electric; Heavy-duty trucks; Diffusion of innovation; PESTLE analysis; Expert interviews (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1016/j.tra.2025.104455

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