Zero-Emission Trucks – IDTechEx Explores Electric and Fuel Cell Trucks

Electric and fuel-cell trucks could offer fresh city air and guilt-free online shopping. With the growth of environmental awareness and the hydrogen economy, zero- and low-emission trucks could see larger-scale adoption over the next decade.

Online shopping won’t have to be a large contributor to emissions because electric and fuel cell trucks won’t negatively impact the environment with deliveries. With the growth of retail and online shopping platforms, more transportation is required for these industries to flourish, meaning zero-emission trucks couldn’t come at a better time.

With the CO₂ emission legislation becoming stricter, cleaner air is becoming a central focus of many companies from an environmental and business competitiveness perspective.

Cities and built-up areas could be protected from excess fuel fumes as the air becomes cleaner, and a significant contributing factor to poor air quality is removed. Large trucks consume between 30 and 40 litres of fuel per 100km, while cars consume between 4 and 7 litres. Trucks also rack up much greater annual mileage.

Electric and fuel cell trucks could be a window to turning these figures on their head, and over the past few years, battery-electric trucks have moved from prototypes to commercial models. In their report on the topic, “Electric and Fuel Cell Trucks 2024-2044: Markets, Technologies, and Forecasts”, IDTechEx predicts that by 2044, 82% of zero-emission trucks sold will be battery electric out of approximately 1.8 million zero-emission trucks sold per year.

Hydrogen Economy

The flourishing of the hydrogen economy will allow more fuel cell trucks to get onto the road. Due to the cost, lack of infrastructure, and struggle to produce hydrogen for trucks alone, processes of making hydrogen for cleaner, widespread energy sources will significantly benefit the fuel cell industry.

The benefits of fuel cells are perfect for long haul journeys and in colder weather, where battery performance might suffer. Hydrogen has a greater energy density per kilo than batteries, and it is quicker to refill a tank than to charge up a large battery, so lowering costs could be a long-term goal for hydrogen companies.

Battery electric trucks are much more common but can be restricted to short-haul journeys due to the weight of large batteries, limited range, and reduced performance in cold weather.

The electric and fuel cell trucks sector is expected to reach US$207 billion by 2044 and are both part of the solution to achieving a zero-emission transport sector. Government support is available for the first companies to make moves towards this.

Subsidies for purchasing trucks could incentivize companies to invest in these future transport methods, and the future of truck driving and retail industries could see their reputations reinvented.