Transitioning to Zero-Emission Trucks: Electric & Hydrogen
The North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) is playing a crucial role in assisting the trucking industry in its transition to zero emissions. The organization is specifically focused on commercial battery electric trucks and has published multiple reports and primers related to this technology. Furthermore, NACFE is actively monitoring the developments in this rapidly changing sector.
One of the major challenges in adopting electric trucks lies in establishing effective and cost-efficient charging infrastructure. Fleet managers must have a solid understanding of the physical infrastructure and cost structure of electricity, as well as how they interact with each other. Allocating sufficient time and resources to plan and create a charging system that meets the fleet's power requirements in the most economical way is essential.
Charging infrastructure encompasses both hardware and rigorous management. Fleet owners have the option to choose from different charger types, such as Level 2 AC and Level 3 DC Fast Charging, based on their specific vehicle charging needs. To ensure efficient and reliable operation, it is important to consider factors such as electrical hardware, charger types, and charging management systems.
NACFE emphasizes the need for coordination between electric trucks and chargers, the importance of collaboration with utilities, the impact of charging strategies on cost, the need for expertise and attention during the transition, and the exploration of alternative charging business models. Other crucial considerations include grants and incentives, facility ownership, microgrids, charger reliability and interoperability, workforce training, and improvements to electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure.
Hydrogen is being considered as an energy source for zero-emission long-haul trucking, with two emerging paths: fuel cell electric and hydrogen internal combustion engines. Hydrogen fuel cell tractors are viewed as the most viable zero-emission solution for replacing diesel in long-haul heavy-duty trucks. However, hydrogen may not be suitable for all duty cycles. The adoption of hydrogen trucks is influenced by regional or national considerations, with battery electric trucks serving as the baseline for comparisons. The future of hydrogen trucks depends on the creation and distribution of hydrogen itself, as well as the potential for autonomous operations. State and federal efforts have accelerated the adoption of hydrogen.
In order for hydrogen to become a viable fuel option for commercial vehicles, several issues need to be addressed. The hydrogen economy cannot solely rely on long-haul trucking, and standardization is crucial for cost reductions. The pace of innovation, investment, regulation, and awareness of hydrogen as a heavy-duty truck fuel has increased. The oil industry's shift towards pursuing zero-emission markets reinforces the path towards hydrogen as a truck fuel. Infrastructure investments and regulatory efforts also play a significant role in hydrogen development. Additionally, hydrogen internal combustion engines offer near-zero emissions, longer distances, shorter refuel times, and lighter weights compared to battery electric vehicles.
Experts express positive sentiments about the necessity of hydrogen for decarbonizing the grid, and there is a growing consensus that hydrogen will be readily available. The report underscores the importance of hydrogen in achieving zero-emission freight transportation and highlights the significant funding being allocated to establish a hydrogen economy. However, the cost of hydrogen production, transportation, storage, and dispensing necessitates assistance from tax credits and subsidies to compete with diesel. Effective retail cost management is crucial, and hydrogen production requires significant amounts of electricity.
In conclusion, hydrogen and battery electric technologies are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary in achieving a zero-emission freight future. Battery electric vehicles are suitable for shorter distances, while hydrogen fuel cell tractors are the only viable choice for long-haul duty cycles. Cost reduction and shared costs among supply chain companies, coupled with government assistance, are necessary for the economic viability of hydrogen tractors. Transitioning towards zero-emission goals will require alternative fuels like RNG, renewable diesel, and hydrogen used in internal combustion engines, alongside the development of hydrogen and battery electric infrastructure.
Full report: https://nacfe.org/research/electric-trucks/#charging-infrastructure
