Evaluating the Advantages of Electric Trucks vs Hydrogen in German Road Freight Transport
Key Ideas
  • German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) report highlights battery-electric trucks as the best option for reducing emissions in road freight transport.
  • Market forces favoring battery-electric trucks over hydrogen models in Germany, with minimal presence of hydrogen fuel cell trucks.
  • Calls for government support for fast-charging infrastructure for trucks and revisions in greenhouse gas reduction regulations to reflect the efficiency difference between battery-electric and hydrogen technologies.
  • Forecast suggests with sufficient investment, all new trucks registered in Germany could be battery-electric by 2035, presenting a significant opportunity for the industry.
A recent report by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) in collaboration with other institutions stresses the advantages of battery-electric trucks over hydrogen models in reducing emissions from road freight transport. Despite Germany's significant greenhouse gas emissions from freight transport, the transition to electric mobility has been slower for trucks compared to cars. The report reveals a minimal market share of hydrogen fuel cell trucks in the country, with a growing number of battery-electric truck models available. The researchers recommend maintaining government support for fast-charging points for trucks while discouraging investment in hydrogen technology due to its inefficiency and infrastructure requirements. DIW's energy expert emphasizes the importance of clear communication from policymakers to provide confidence for investments in battery-powered trucks. Additionally, proposed changes in greenhouse gas reduction regulations aim to reflect the efficiency gap between battery-electric and hydrogen trucks. A forecast suggests that with adequate investment in charging infrastructure, all new trucks registered in Germany could be battery-electric by 2035, signaling a positive outlook for the industry. However, concerns have been raised by environmental groups regarding the government's focus on road infrastructure rather than rail, which they argue is a more efficient option for emissions reduction in freight transport.
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