Research Publications

Battery electric trucks (BETs), fuel-cell electric trucks (FCETs) and low-carbon liquid fuels (such as biodiesel and e-diesel) have been suggested as approaches to decarbonize heavy-duty transportation. However, technical and economic barriers limit their broader implementation and, owing to the diverse uses of heavy-duty vehicles, their application must be tailored to the needs of the fleet. In this Review, we discuss the technological feasibility, costs and decarbonization potential of these technologies and approaches, focusing on China, Europe and the United States. Despite emissions associated with their production, BETs and FCETs could reduce life-cycle CO₂ emissions by 27–58% relative to diesel trucks and could meet more than 35% and 67%, respectively, of current daily travel needs of conventional tractor-trailers without charging or refuelling, potentially exceeding 88% with an intermediate stop to charge or refuel. There is substantial uncertainty in the emission reduction potential from indirect land-use changes associated with biodiesel and e-fuels. There are high CO₂ abatement costs (US$490–600 per tonne of CO₂) for BETs in Europe and the United States, but they are projected to achieve cost parity with diesel trucks before 2030. FCETs have higher energy density than BETs, which would be beneficial for long-haul applications, but cost associated with green hydrogen accessibility is a challenge. Technological innovation and new regulations and incentives are needed to promote increased uptake of these technologies.