Freight transport is facing significant change. In view of increasing environmental regulations and the goal of reducing CO₂ emissions, the focus is increasingly on alternative drive technologies such as electric trucks, hydrogen vehicles and synthetic fuels. But how far have these technologies been developed, what are the challenges of implementing them, and how can logistics companies prepare themselves for the future?

Electric Trucks: On the Road to Everyday Usability

Battery-electric trucks (e-trucks) are regarded as a promising solution for emission-free transport of goods. Major manufacturers such as Volvo, Daimler and Scania have already launched models that are particularly suitable for regional distribution transport.

advantages:

• Emission-free: During operation, e-trucks do not cause any local CO₂ emissions.
• Lower operating costs: Electrical power is often cheaper than diesel, and e-trucks have fewer moving parts, which reduces maintenance costs.

Challenges:

• Limited range: Current models reach ranges of up to 300 kilometers, which is not yet sufficient for long-distance transport.
• Charging infrastructure: A comprehensive network of fast charging stations along major traffic routes has so far been missing.

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Hydrogen-powered trucks: potential for long-distance transport

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCEV) offer a longer range and could therefore represent a solution for long-haul freight transport. Companies such as Iveco and Hyundai are investing in this technology and have already presented the first models.

advantages:

• Long range: Hydrogen trucks can travel distances of up to 800 kilometers.
• Quick refueling: Refueling takes as long as diesel trucks.

Challenges:

• Infrastructure: To date, there are only a few hydrogen filling stations, particularly for heavy goods vehicles.
• High costs: The purchase costs for hydrogen trucks are currently even higher than for conventional vehicles.

Synthetic Fuels: Bridging Technology for Stocks

Synthetic fuels, also known as eFuels, are produced from renewable energy sources and can be used in existing diesel engines. They offer an opportunity to reduce the CO₂ emissions of the current vehicle fleet.

‍advantages:

• compatibilité: Existing vehicles and infrastructure can continue to be used.
• CO₂ neutrality: Combustion only releases as much CO2 as was previously bound during production.

Challenges:

• High energy consumption: The production of eFuels is energy-intensive and is currently still expensive.
• Efficiency: The overall efficiency is lower than that of directly electric vehicles.

According to eFuels Forum, synthetic fuels could represent a pragmatic solution, particularly in areas such as air traffic, shipping and trucking, as electric mobility is reaching its limits here.

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Infrastructure and economic aspects

Implementing alternative drives requires significant investments in infrastructure. One example of this is the planned joint venture between Daimler Trucks, Traton and Volvo Trucks, which intends to invest 500 million euros to install around 1,700 high-performance charging points for electric long-haul trucks and coaches by 2027.

In addition, government funding and incentives are crucial to offset the higher purchase costs of alternative drives and accelerate their market penetration.