With the need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions growing greater each day, key industries such as long-haul trucking have been met with a challenge: how can they decarbonize operations without losing performance? 80% of global energy demand is currently being fulfilled by fossil fuels; however, electrification and zero-emissions electricity offer solutions that could prove critical. At this time it remains uncertain which technology will win out in terms of sustainability versus power output – an equation experts are still trying to solve.
Despite long-haul heavy-duty trucking’s vital role in the U.S. economy, it is responsible for a shocking proportion of America’s carbon emissions. It has been difficult to decarbonize this type of transportation due to its reliance on high energy needs and vehicle weight; however, recent advances present new opportunities that could significantly reduce its environmental impact.
Scientists are increasingly citing zero-carbon fuels such as low-emissions hydrogen, which emits no carbon dioxide when combusted or used in a fuel cell, as one promising way to reduce overall emissions. However, proper production and sourcing of natural gas for these facilities is essential: reforming systems must be equipped with effective carbon capture technology while the natural gas should come from sources that have taken all available steps to limit methane emissions.
A new report released by the Center for Automotive Research (CATF) compared operational performance on hydrogen and battery electric powered trucks, uncovering potential advantages that could accelerate decarbonizing long-haul trucking. The findings of this research determined several benefits to utilizing a hydrogen fuel cell infrastructure when considering overall costs associated with production, transportation, operations and more.
Below, we’ll cover three benefits of hydrogen fuel in trucking.
Faster Refueling and Fewer Stops
The CATF report conducted a performance comparison between battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell trucks as possible alternatives to diesel trucking. The simulation analyzed the feasibility of such solutions on one popular long-haul route in the U.S. Taking into account typical weights for an 80,000 lb Class 8 truck trip, results showed that BEVs and FCEVs could offer viable replacements with exceedingly low or no associated greenhouse gas emissions from energy use.
A comparison between two electric trucks revealed a telling advantage for fuel cell powered vehicles. With its longer range, the FCEV only had to make three stops – refueling about 75 percent of its tank each time – compared with eight separate charges required by battery-powered BEVs that drained up to 98% during every stop.
The FCEV’s advantage over the BEV came in dwell time, with goods moving nearly 42 hours faster than its counterpart due to refueling stops. This could prove a major benefit for fleet operation as delivery times are not disrupted by lengthy charge periods – such charging totaled 43 hours and 48 minutes for the BEV compared to just 1 hour and 24 minutes for its fuel-cell alternative.
Roomier Cargo Capacity
The FCEV truck also boasts more room for cargo. This increased capacity is due to the 1000kWh battery required by the BEV which could create 4,000-20,000 lb loss in cargo capacity. The increased carrying power has positive implication for fleet operation, allowing fleets to get more done with fewer vehicles on the road.
A hybrid powertrain design is being utilized in FCEV trucks, with a 20 kWh battery providing limited functions such as hill climbing and regenerative braking. However, some designs may go up to 100 kWh without drastically affecting the weight of cargo capacity when compared to traditional diesel equivalents. Hydrogen serves as the main energy source for these vehicles which could lead to less reliance on batteries for fuel efficiency purposes moving forward.
Hydrogen Truck Infrastructure Could Be Easier to Build
This report uncovered an interesting contrast between the needs of electric and hydrogen powered trucks for their respective charging/fueling infrastructure. Statistically, it was discovered that building out a comprehensive network to charge BEVs would demand more expansive facilities than FCEVs; not only due to increased service requirements but also because they take longer to power up. In comparison though, transitioning from diesel refuel stations may be easier with few obstacles thanks to similar sizes and operations associated with hydrogen tech.
Bridging the Gap
The future of long-distance trucking is uncertain, but hydrogen powered trucks could be on the horizon. Despite potential benefits to fuel economy and emissions reduction, hurdles remain before such a dramatic overhaul can take place.
- In order to create climate-friendly hydrogen trucks that are capable of running at the same efficiency as diesel counterparts, research and development must be properly funded. This funding will enable faster fueling times for these alternatively powered vehicles, in addition to helping reduce the weight of drivetrain components so cargo capacity is not compromised.
- With a potential transition away from diesel-powered trucking looming, experts are calling for greater understanding of how such an adjustment would affect the industry’s profitability. While the report analyzes the advantages and disadvantages between two competing drivetrain alternatives, it failed to consider total cost of ownership – which could present further financial challenges if factoring in production costs as well as transportation expenditures.
- To facilitate a transition to hydrogen fuel and expand its potential, including connecting infrastructure so that supply can match demand, commercializing productions through incentives like the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs Program, and developing hydrogen supply chains that minimize or eliminate emissions from production.
In order to quickly and effectively reduce emissions from heavy-duty trucking, the transportation sector will need to take advantage of both battery electric trucks (BEVs) and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). The future make-up of a decarbonized transport system remains unclear, but these two technologies are likely to play an integral role in helping reach zero emission goals.
Source: Clean Air Task Force
