Zero-Emission Heavy-Duty, Long-Haul Trucking: Obstacles and Opportunities for Logistics in North America

Paul D. Larson (), Robert V. Parsons and Deepika Kalluri
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Paul D. Larson: Department of Supply Chain Management, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5V4, Canada
Robert V. Parsons: Department of Supply Chain Management, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5V4, Canada
Deepika Kalluri: Department of Supply Chain Management, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5V4, Canada

Logistics, 2024, vol. 8, issue 3, 1-35

Abstract: Background : Pressure is growing in North America for heavy-duty, long-haul trucking to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, ultimately to zero. With freight volumes rising, improvement depends on zero-emissions technologies, e.g., battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). However, emissions reductions are constrained by technological and commercial realities. BEVs and FCEVs are expensive. Further, BEVs depend on existing electricity grids and FCEVs rely on steam–methane reforming (SMR) or electrolysis using existing grids to produce hydrogen. Methods : This study assembles publicly available data from reputable sources to estimate breakeven vehicle purchase prices under various conditions to match conventional (diesel) truck prices. It also estimates GHG emissions reductions. Results : BEVs face numerous obstacles, including (1) limited range; (2) heavy batteries and reduced cargo capacity; (3) long recharging time; and (4) uncertain hours-of-service (HOS) implications. On the other hand, FCEVs face two primary obstacles: (1) cost and availability of hydrogen and (2) cost of fuel cells. Conclusions : In estimating emissions reductions and economic feasibility of BEVs and FCEVs versus diesel trucks, the primary contributions of this study involve its consideration of vehicle prices, carbon taxes, and electricity grid capacity constraints and demand fees. As electricity grids reduce their emissions intensity, grid congestion and capacity constraints, opportunities arise for BEVs. On the other hand, rising electricity demand fees benefit FCEVs, with SMR-produced hydrogen a logical starting point. Further, carbon taxation appears to be less important than other factors in the transition to zero-emission trucking.

Keywords: trucking; long-haul; Class 8; hydrogen; electricity; GHG; zero-emission vehicles (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L8 L80 L81 L86 L87 L9 L90 L91 L92 L93 L98 L99 M1 M10 M11 M16 M19 R4 R40 R41 R49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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