+49 (0) 2571 99798-0
info@greiwing.com
The transportation industry is facing a paradigm shift. In view of the pressing climate targets and the need to reduce CO2 emissions, two promising technologies are coming to the fore: battery electric trucks (BEV trucks) and hydrogen-powered trucks (FCEV trucks). Both technologies offer solutions for zero-emission freight transportation, but which is the better choice?
Energy efficiency: BEV vs. hydrogen
BEV trucks clearly lead the field when it comes to energy efficiency. With an efficiency of 85-90% from the power grid to the wheel, they use the available energy extremely efficiently. Hydrogen trucks are at a disadvantage here: With an overall efficiency of only 30-40% due to the high-loss electrolysis and fuel cell technology, they consume significantly more energy. In regions with green electricity, the efficiency advantage of BEV trucks is particularly pronounced.
Range and charging times
For a long time, range was an argument in favor of hydrogen trucks, as they can travel up to 1,000 kilometers per tank and can be refueled in just a few minutes. But the latest BEV trucks are catching up: Manufacturers are already offering models with ranges of over 600 kilometers, and megawatt charging technologies could reduce charging times to as little as 15 minutes. For the driver, who has to take legally prescribed breaks anyway, a dense network of charging stations can easily integrate these charging times. This will make the range of BEV trucks increasingly competitive, especially for regional and long-distance transportation.
Infrastructure: a sticking point for both technologies
The charging infrastructure for BEV trucks is already better developed than that for hydrogen. Electricity grids are available and fast-charging stations can be integrated relatively easily. Hydrogen filling stations, on the other hand, require enormous investments in production, transportation and storage. In addition, there is still no uniform standard for hydrogen: 350 bar, 750 bar or liquid hydrogen are competing approaches. This uncertainty increases the risk for filling station operators, who cannot be sure which technology will prevail. This is slowing down the expansion of the hydrogen infrastructure considerably.
Costs: a comparison of operation and purchase
The operating costs of BEV trucks are low thanks to their high energy efficiency and low electricity prices. Hydrogen, on the other hand, is currently expensive and inefficient to produce. The acquisition costs also speak in favor of BEV trucks, which are becoming increasingly affordable thanks to economies of scale and technological advances. Hydrogen trucks could only become economically attractive when the marginal costs of electricity generation are close to zero, thus reducing the cost of green hydrogen.
Environmental aspects: A complex picture
Both technologies offer a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, provided they are powered by renewable energies. However, BEV trucks are more environmentally friendly due to their higher efficiency. Nevertheless, the environmental impact of battery production (e.g. lithium and cobalt mining) should not be overlooked. Although hydrogen trucks do not require large batteries, they are dependent on green hydrogen production, which is not yet available to a sufficient extent.
Areas of application: Different strengths
BEV trucks are ideal for short-distance transport and urban areas, where quiet and emission-free transportation is crucial. Hydrogen trucks show their strengths on long distances and for heavy-duty transportation, especially where there is no charging infrastructure for BEVs or where energy requirements are particularly high.
The future of freight transport
The future is likely to see a coexistence of both technologies. BEV trucks could dominate regional and urban transport, while hydrogen trucks will play an important role in long-distance transport and specialized applications such as heavy haulage. The decisive factor will be how quickly the respective infrastructures and technologies develop.
Conclusion: Two technologies, one goal
The choice between BEV and hydrogen trucks depends heavily on the specific requirements. Companies should consider aspects such as range, costs, energy efficiency and infrastructure when making their decision. However, one thing is clear: both technologies are necessary to achieve climate targets and make road freight transport sustainable.
