More and more stringent regulations to reduce emissions and the pressure to create more sustainable transport operations are promoting the development of alternative drive systems for trucks. We take this opportunity of explaining how innovative technologies are paving the way for the truck of the future.
The transport sector is facing enormous challenges: Freight transport emissions increased by 22% between 1995 and 2018 simply because of road transportation services.1 During the same period, the general awareness of the effects of higher CO2 emissions has grown and therefore the standards set by customers, consumers and politicians have become even more exacting. The EU’s Green Deal, for example, is seeking to achieve a 55% reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to the figures in 1990 – and even reach climate neutrality by 2050.2
In order to achieve these goals, the EU’s member states set new CO2 emissions standards for heavy commercial vehicles in February 2024 – an important target for the transport sector and corporations that convey goods by road. These standards represent a more stringent version of the CO2 thresholds for road freight transportation within Europe for the future, after these limits were first adopted in 2019.
In order to set clear standards for decarbonizing heavy vehicle traffic, the CO2 emissions standards stipulate that the CO2 emissions of new heavy commercial vehicles must be reduced as follows in comparison to the 2020 figures:3
Regardless of whether firms are fully aware of environmental issues or not – manufacturers and logistics corporations are looking for alternatives that are viable both economically and ecologically in order to meet these standards. Even if the most efficient equipment for the truck of the future is still a point of contention, stakeholders are very sure about one thing: Any dependence on fossil fuels is not a long-term solution. Experts are suggesting, for example, that the proportion of new trucks that are sold with a battery or fuels cells needs to increase from the current figure of less than 2% to 40% by 2030.4 These types of drive systems represent one way of reducing any dependence on fossil fuels, but many other technologies are already being tested or are in active use.
So which technology will become established as the drive system for the truck of the future?
Zero-emission solutions are ideal for short distances in urban settings. They enable emission-free deliveries and particularly fulfil the strict environmental standards in major metropolitan areas. Electric trucks offer numerous benefits here: local zero emissions, attractive enhancements like the 50% reduction in tolls (involving savings of up to EUR 25,000 per year and per truck within Europe).5
Electric vehicles are not just a persuasive argument because of their operating costs are far lower, but also through their cost-effective future prospects: Experts predict that the overall costs for battery-powered electric vehicles will be 26% lower than for diesel models, even in 2025.6 Battery-powered drive systems are also viewed as an established and available technology, which is reliable and ready for use immediately.
The charging infrastructure in particular poses challenges for the battery-powered electric truck of the future. In addition to equipping in-house depots, there needs to be a significant expansion of public charging points in order to guarantee charging times and the availability of charging options along routes. McKinsey describes this requirement in terms of about 900,000 private charging points in Europe by 2035 – which will entail costs amounting to approximatelyUS$ 20 billion.7 The low concentration of charging points, high costs for public stations as well as compatibility problems between different connectors are therefore still negative factors regarding usage at this time.
Hydrogen-based fuel cells are viewed as a highly promising alternative drive system for trucks that operate on long-distance routes. They provide a generous operating range, short fueling times and, when operating, only emit steam, which makes them particularly environmentally-friendly. When compared to battery-powered electric vehicles, hydrogen tanks can store more energy, which means that they are ideal for use on cross-border journeys or on routes where there is a shortage of charging infrastructure. They can also be used in a flexible manner, even if the topographical conditions are tough or the items being transported are very heavy.
The first test vehicles are already demonstrating the potential of any hydrogen-powered truck of the future. However, this technology is still coupled with high costs and complex infrastructure. It will be necessary to expand the hydrogen network extensively and reduce the production costs for green hydrogen to achieve broad market penetration.
It is true that LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) and CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) are often viewed as alternative drive systems for trucks, but they are, strictly speaking, still fossil fuels – based on fossil natural gas, which is liquefied through cooling (LNG) or is compressed (CNG). As a result, LNG and CNG will probably only have potential as the drive system of the future for trucks in the medium term. However, because no extensive vehicle modifications are necessary, LNG is being viewed and used as a practical interim solution.
LNG offers some benefits to improve CO2 balance sheets and comply with stricter emissions thresholds through its tried and tested technology. When compared to diesel fuel, LNG can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 20% and prevent a large proportion of nitrogen and particulate matter emissions.8 This is particularly beneficial in urban traffic settings. However, LNG is also an attractive option for long-distance traffic because of its greater operating range in comparison to battery-powered electric vehicles.
However, some key challenges remain, like the expansion of extensive infrastructure or alternatives to the fuel’s fossil origin. The prospect of being able to use bio-LNG or synthetic LNG, which are produced using renewable energy sources in the future, is particularly promising here.
Biofuels are viewed as a sensible drive system for trucks, particularly during the transitional phase, as they can help reduce emissions in the short term.9 However, their availability is limited and more viable alternatives for the future are needed in the long term. Another concept involves using overhead electric wires, which have only been introduced on a few test routes at this time. This development may be rather slow, but it offers huge benefits: The truck of the future with a pantograph could be charged while it is moving, which would significantly reduce any dependence on batteries. However, the costs for the infrastructure are high – and the existing railroad network might well be a more efficient alternative. Additional methods like optimized fleet management and precise route planning can help simplify the transitional period by reducing operating costs and increasing efficiency (cf. more on this topic in this blog item). Monitoring emissions using specialist tools can also supply valuable data so that corporations can make decisions to benefit the environment.
You can discover more about e-mobility and other drive systems for the truck of the future in this Logistics People Talk podcast.
If we consider the various options, one thing becomes clear: There are many opportunities for alternative drive systems for trucks, but actually introducing them is a complex business and associated with numerous obstacles. At the same time, adequate infrastructure is still missing: Charging points, hydrogen and LNG fueling points are not generally available. Methane emissions when using LNG and the energy-intensive production of hydrogen also raise issues as regards a corporation’s climate footprint. Ultimately, the competition between the technologies is complicating the process of making any final decision too. Many potential drive systems for the truck of the future cannot be universally used because of specific advantages and disadvantages.
If the transition is proving to be so painstaking, people might well ask whether it would be easier to abandon the illusion of any truck of the future. Why not simply switch to other means of transport?
The developments that have taken place during the last several years provide a compelling argument for the future of road freight transportation. After all, any switch in freight transportation to railroad or shipping services in Europe is only taking place very slowly – or is not happening at all. The proportion of freight transported by road rose within ten years from 74% in 2012 to approximately 78% in 2022, for instance. The share carried by railroads across the European Union only amounted to 17% in 2022, while inland waterway shipping services only accounted for 5%.10 Some experts are even forecasting further growth of 54% in road freight transportation by 2051.11
There are fundamental reasons why road freight transportation is so successful: Freight transportation by road creates benefits as agenerally cheap alternative to other means of transport because of its flexibility, direct deliveries without any transshipment and the concentrated network of roads. The high level of availability of trucks also enables fast and versatile transportation services for an extremely wide range of goods. It will therefore be necessary for new equipment to be introduced at every level in order to continue benefiting from all the advantages.
Introducing alternative drive systems for trucks is a strategic process for logistics experts like Rhenus. Rhenus has been planning for the transport revolution for years by testing and introducing a wide variety of alternatives to diesel-powered trucks – including dedicated electric trucks and using LNG and biodiesel as fuels.
It is essential for corporations to carefully consider their specific requirements for transportation services, because opting for any particular technology depends on many factors. In addition to providing consultancy services and using alternative drive systems for trucks, Rhenus is relying on other measures to offer more sustainable transportation services by road. One example involves optimized route planning, which is designed to prevent empty journeys, or “eco-drive training courses” – regular training sessions for drivers so that they can fully exploit the potential during journeys, regardless of the type of drive system in use. It is beneficial if customers have a partner that employs a wide range of different options and can therefore respond to different requirements.
Alternative drive systems are a key stage when moving towards emission-free freight transport services. Each corporation, however, faces the task of selecting the suitable technology for its individual requirements and fields of application. The issue here involves much more than just being environmentally-friendly: Factors like high initial purchase costs, limited charging facilities and fueling infrastructure as well as statutory regulations represent enormous challenges. Further political regulations will also be necessary during the next several years in order to reach the ambitious climate goals and provide corporations with a clear framework.
Logistics experts like Rhenus are enabling corporations to reach their own sustainability goals by using alternative drive systems for their trucks. Strategies like managing mixed fleets and carefully taking into consideration the infrastructure requirements are making it possible to establish low-emission fleets of vehicles and secure long-term competitiveness.
Rhenus can support your transformation process by using innovative drive system technologies and optimized logistics concepts.
Discover more