Powerfuels for Heavy-Duty Road Transportation

The transition towards European carbon neutrality by 2050 poses major challenges for heavy-duty road freight and necessitates technological changes. This study examines the current European truck market, including the legal framework aimed at enhancing sustainable transport via infrastructure deployment or CO2 reduction targets. It evaluates the technological and economic prospects of various alternative technologies, and explores future pathways. While current political efforts predominantly focus on battery-electric and hydrogen-powered trucks, all alternative technologies can offer substantial and immediate CO2 emission reduction potentials. However, battery-electric trucks are very likely the most promising pathway for achieving cost-effective operations, with also being at a more advanced technological readiness compared to fuel cell trucks, catenary electric systems, and renewable fuels. Apart from fast declining costs and technical feasibility in line with infrastructure or fuel availability, user acceptance will be a key to acceleration.