Future fuels: hydrogen versus electric batteries for next-gen trucks

With stricter environmental rules and growing pressure to cut emissions, the push for cleaner truck fuels is stronger than ever.

Hydrogen fuel cells and electric batteries are leading the race, fueling the potential for zero-emission transportation.

But which one promises the cleanest, and greenest, future of trucking?

Roadrunners

Let's start with how hydrogen fuel works.

Hydrogen fuel cells convert hydrogen into electricity through a chemical reaction, creating power for the vehicle while emitting only water vapor. This makes them an eco-friendly option that can refuel quickly like traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, minimizing delays and maximizing productivity on the road.

Because powering trucks over long distances is all about efficiency.

When it comes to range, hydrogen trucks are also comparable to diesel-powered trucks, making them a strong choice for long-haul routes.

In short, hydrogen fuel delivers high energy density and faster refueling times, which equals more operational efficiency for fleets.

So why don't we see as many hydrogen-powered trucks as we do electric?

Despite its potential, hydrogen fuel faces several key challenges that hinder widespread adoption. For instance, hydrogen production still relies heavily on fossil fuels, which decreases its environmental benefits.

Add limited infrastructure for storage, transportation and refueling as well as high production and distribution costs, and what you get is a source of fuel that's less accessible and poses significant barriers to scalability than, say, electricity.

Fully charged

Electric batteries have become almost synonymous with green trucking in recent years—and for good reason.

Electric trucks store energy in large battery packs that power the vehicle. While they still rely on charging infrastructure, advancements in battery technology have significantly improved their range and charging time.

Electric batteries offer zero tailpipe emissions while lowering operating costs compared to traditional ICE engines. With fewer moving parts and no dependence on fuel combustion, electric trucks require less maintenance over their lifespan.

Innovations in battery technology, such as lithium ion and lithium iron phosphate batteries, promise even greater energy density, faster charging and more safety.

But it's not without hurdles. Despite its many advantages, electric fuel for trucks faces several challenges. One major obstacle is the limited availability of charging infrastructure, particularly in remote or rural areas essential for long-haul trucking.

Money talks

Cost is a significant factor for trucking companies looking to transition to sustainable fuels. Right now, hydrogen fuel cells are more expensive due to the complexity of production and the limited availability of hydrogen refueling stations.

Producing hydrogen through electrolysis, while clean, requires a significant amount of energy, making it less cost-effective unless renewable energy sources are employed.

This is where electricity takes the lead.

Electric batteries initially come with a high price tag due to the materials required, such as lithium and cobalt. But the operational costs tend to be lower because electricity is cheaper than diesel or hydrogen fuel.

Maintenance costs are also lower, as electric vehicles have fewer moving parts compared to internal combustion engines or fuel cell systems, making electric trucks more economical to operate.

Friend or foe?

Both hydrogen and electric batteries offer significant advantages over traditional fossil fuels in reducing harmful emissions.

Hydrogen fuel cells produce zero tailpipe emissions and are seen as a clean energy solution. But the environmental benefits depend heavily on how the hydrogen is produced. Hydrogen made from renewable sources, often referred to as "green hydrogen," is ideal but currently accounts for a small percentage of total hydrogen production.

Electric batteries are also considered environmentally friendly, particularly when charged using renewable energy.

Their key drawback is the environmental impact of mining for materials like lithium, cobalt and nickel, which are used in battery production. Developing more sustainable mining practices and recycling technologies will be crucial to reducing this impact.

Fueling change

Location technology plays a critical role in accelerating the adoption of both hydrogen and electric trucks.

Fleet and electric vehicle (EV) routing solutions, for instance, help optimize routes and plan recharging or refueling stops efficiently. For electric battery fleets, EV-aware routing and charging point predictions can alleviate range and charge anxiety and make ETAs more accurate.

For hydrogen trucks, location insights can aid in identifying optimal routes with access to hydrogen refueling stations, ensuring smooth logistics for fleets transitioning to cleaner fuels.

Advanced geospatial mapping systems with real-time data analytics can identify the nearest hydrogen refueling stations along a planned route and provide updates on their availability and operational status.

So which is better?

As it happens with most cases of highly advanced technology comparison, the answer is - it depends.

Hydrogen is well-suited for long-haul and heavy-duty applications due to its range and quick refueling times.

Electric batteries excel in short-haul and urban settings, where charging infrastructure is more readily available and emissions standards are stricter.

From the way things are developing, the future of sustainable trucking will likely involve a combination of these technologies, supporting trucking companies in creating a cleaner, greener future for transportation.