Electric vs hydrogen trucks: “The gap will widen”

Electric vs hydrogen trucks: "The gap will widen"

University of Cambridge professor David Cebon is straightforward when it comes to the use of hydrogen-fueled vehicles as a low-emission alternative for road freight. According to him, who’s dedicated decades to transport research, the numbers are hard to fight.

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"Three times more on running costs, two times more on capital costs, you'd have to be insane to buy a hydrogen-powered truck, right?" he asks midway through an explanation on why electric heavy goods vehicles have become the best option for decarbonized road freight. His research shows that the car industry is driving the learning curve for electric lorries, which means that, with batteries becoming cheaper and cheaper, the gap will only widen.

As director of the Centre for Sustainable Road Freight and the Cambridge Vehicle Dynamics Consortium, Professor Cebon works closely with innovators and solutions to tackle transport challenges, particularly those that can optimize charging and enable clean and safe freight.

Below, he dives into some of the findings and shares his views on the future of freight, particularly in the United Kingdom. Read the full interview:

HGV and Domestic Shipping Freight Solutions

David Cebon: In the short term, it's important to focus on things that improve efficiency and reduce energy and fuel consumption. On the vehicle technology side, some solutions include better drivers, well-inflated tires, low rolling resistance tires, and lighter vehicles with better aerodynamics. There are also hybrid and alternative fuels, although biogas is limited. A rapid shift to electric vehicles is another immediate solution, especially for urban applications like small vans, rubbish trucks, and buses.

Logistically, maximizing vehicle capacity helps reduce trips. Simple packaging efficiencies, co-loading smaller vehicles into one larger truck, and organizing back hauls can significantly decrease emissions.

Hydrogen as an Alternative

The capital cost of a hydrogen-powered vehicle is about double that of a battery electric vehicle. A hydrogen fuel cell truck essentially adds hydrogen fuel cells, tanks, and delivery equipment to an electric truck, making it much more costly.

Batteries are the most expensive part of an electric truck, but they are becoming cheaper due to advancements driven by the car industry. In contrast, hydrogen fuel cells are not getting cheaper because there is far less demand for hydrogen-powered vehicles.

"If hydrogen-powered trucks are already twice as expensive as battery electric trucks, that gap is probably going to widen."

Hydrogen is inefficient compared to battery electric vehicles. Running a truck on green hydrogen requires about three times more electricity than a battery electric vehicle. This inefficiency translates to higher costs in energy, maintenance, and spare parts, making hydrogen-powered trucks less economically viable.

The feasibility of running logistics with electric trucks is already evident in the UK, where many operations can be handled with electric trucks charged during rest breaks or at warehouses.

Battery-swapping technology, being tested in China and Australia, is another promising option. A truck can swap its battery at a station quickly, though this requires additional batteries, which are costly.

Charging on the move with overhead wires is another innovative solution that shows great promise, allowing trucks to charge without stopping, similar to trains.

Rethinking Freight

Electrification requires rethinking the logistics industry. Charging must be integrated into logistics planning, considering routes, charging locations, and the state of charge of vehicles. Grid connections at strategic locations will also be crucial. In some cases, moving warehouses closer to power sources might be more economical than extending the grid.

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UK's Future of Freight Plan

The UK government is planning trials of battery electric and hydrogen trucks, and possibly overhead contact lines, aiming to eliminate internal combustion engines for new trucks by 2035 and larger trucks by 2040. However, the infrastructure investment required is massive and may be underestimated.

Public-Private Collaboration

Infrastructure for electric freight will likely require public-private partnerships and private financing. Projects like the electric road system can be profitable over time through electricity sales. Government direction and market guarantees are essential to attract private investment.

Energy Independence

The lessons from global energy pressures point to generating local energy. Electrification can leverage local resources like wind and solar, reducing dependency on imported fossil fuels and enhancing energy security.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

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Hear Professor David Cebon explore the topic further in the Einride Webinar – “Sustainable road freight: Why now is the time to make the switch”. Register here.

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