Work

Getting the balance right for cost-effective truck fleet decarbonisation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Electrification of trucks has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector. It remains unclear for fleet operators whether a homogeneous or mixed fleet of battery and hydrogen trucks is the most cost-effective way to decarbonise transport operations. This study evaluates the total cost of ownership, well-to-wheel greenhouse gas emissions, and total cost of carbon abatement for homogeneous and mixed truck fleets. The required driving distance strongly impacts zero-emission trucking choices. For short distances below 200 km/day for 7.5t trucks and 600 km/day for 40t trucks, a battery fleet is the most economical solution. For long driving distances above 450 km/day for 7.5t and 850 km/day for 40t trucks, a hydrogen fleet is the most economical solution. Only for a range of intermediate driving distances, a mixed fleet proves to be economical. The findings show that both battery and hydrogen technologies have a role in decarbonising trucks.

Source: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2026.157249

Authors: Arjun Bopaiah, Rory F.D. Monaghan

Institutions: Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway, SFI Research Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine

Language: English

Topic: Electric Vehicles and Infrastructure

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Affordable and clean energy, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,730