In the race to decarbonize the transport sector, battery-electric heavy-duty trucks are emerging as a formidable contender, and new research is shedding light on their real-world impact. A study published in the journal Future Transportation, translated from German as Future Transport, offers one of the first comprehensive life-cycle assessments (LCA) using actual operational data from battery-electric and diesel tractor units. The findings could reshape the energy sector’s approach to supporting and integrating electric heavy-duty vehicles.
At the heart of this research is Hannes Piepenbrink, a researcher at the Institute for Transport Planning and Logistics at Hamburg University of Technology. Piepenbrink and his team delved into the operational data of Volvo FM trucks used by the German freight company Nord-Spedition GmbH. Their goal was to quantify the actual CO2-equivalent (CO2e) emissions reduction potential of battery-electric trucks compared to their diesel counterparts.
The study, which considers the entire life cycle of the vehicles from cradle to cradle, reveals a significant reduction in emissions. “The findings estimate the total emissions reduction potential to range between 34% and 69%, varying with assumptions on the electricity grid transition and recycling opportunities,” Piepenbrink explains. This range underscores the importance of a sustainable electricity mix and robust recycling infrastructure in maximizing the environmental benefits of battery-electric trucks.
The research is particularly relevant given the European Union’s ambitious target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. Heavy-duty vehicles, which account for a substantial portion of transport emissions, are a critical focus area. The study’s findings suggest that battery-electric trucks could play a pivotal role in achieving these targets, provided that supporting infrastructure and policies are in place.
For the energy sector, the implications are significant. The study highlights the need for a rapid transition to renewable energy sources to power these vehicles. “The sustainability of the electricity mix is crucial,” Piepenbrink notes. “Regions with high use of renewable energy observe greater climate benefits of battery-electric trucks, while CO2-intensive mixes reduce these advantages.”
Moreover, the research underscores the importance of recycling and second-life uses for batteries. As Piepenbrink points out, “End-of-life recycling is vital for reducing emissions and recovering valuable materials, particularly for batteries.” This opens up opportunities for the energy sector to invest in recycling technologies and infrastructure.
The study also points to the need for further research and real-world data. As Piepenbrink suggests, “Conducting case studies on the operational use of heavy-duty tractor units in different contexts, such as cross-border long-distance transport, could provide deeper insights.” This could involve evaluating various vehicle models and considering different electricity mixes and regulatory environments.
The findings of this study could shape future developments in the field by providing a solid foundation of real-world data. As the energy sector continues to support the adoption of battery-electric trucks, this research offers valuable insights into the potential benefits and challenges. It also highlights the need for a holistic approach that considers the entire life cycle of these vehicles, from production and use to end-of-life recycling.
In the words of Piepenbrink, “Future research should focus on optimizing crucial factors like the electricity mix and recycling infrastructure to fully realize the ecological benefits of battery-electric trucks.” This will be key in reinforcing them as a sustainable transport solution and significantly contributing to CO2e emission reductions in transportation.