THE CHALLENGE OF DECARBONIZING SEMI TRUCKS

Heavy- duty vehicles (HDVs), commonly referred to as semi trucks, are a vital part of the global transportation network, since they carry goods across roads and highways. However, they also account for around 7% of global CO2 emissions, which is a sizable contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. This has made the decarbonization of semi trucks a major priority for governments, environmental groups, and the transport industry itself.

Due to their size, weight, and the long distances they travel, semi trucks present a significant challenge when it comes to the decarbonization of transportation. Although battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are a promising technology for reducing emissions from light-duty vehicles such as cars, they are less suited to the heavy-duty demands of semi trucks. This is due to the limited range of batteries, and the need for frequent recharging. As a result, alternative technologies are needed to achieve the decarbonization of semi trucks.

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT

Although decarbonizing semi trucks presents difficulties, it also offers significant opportunities for sustainable transportation. In this respect, we can help to mitigate climate change, improve air quality, and lessen our reliance on fossil fuels by reducing emissions from semi trucks. This can also create new avenues of opportunity for innovation, investment, and job creation in the transport industry.

Therefore, exploring a range of alternative technologies to achieve sustainable transportation methods is a must. These include:

HYDROGEN FUEL CELLS

A promising solution for decarbonizing semi trucks is hydrogen fuel cells. In a fuel cell, hydrogen gas is chemically reacted with oxygen to produce electricity, with water as the sole byproduct. This makes it an emissions-free technology, provided that the hydrogen is produced from sustainable resources. The long range and rapid refuelling times of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) make them well-suited to the demands of long-haul semi trucking.

However, one of the main challenges with FCEVs is the limited availability of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. As a result, governments and businesses are working on investing in expanding hydrogen refuelling networks to support the development of FCEVs.

BIOFUELS

Biofuels, , derived from sources such as crops or waste, are a renewable alternative to fossil fuels. Diesel engines can be run on them, reducing emissions and improving air quality. One of the advantages of using biofuels in existing diesel engines is that no significant modifications to vehicles or infrastructure is required.

However, the sustainability of biofuels raises some concerns, particularly if they are derived from crops that compete with food production or require significant land use changes. As a result, research into developing more sustainable and efficient biofuel production processes is ongoing.

ELECTRIFICATION

Even though long-haul semi truck demands may not be well suited for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), BEVs can still play a significant role in decarbonizing other aspects of the transport industry. Electric trucks, for example, can be used for short-haul or urban delivery routes, where range is less of an issue. They can also aid in lowering emissions from other supply chain vehicles such as delivery vans or forklifts.

The requirements for sizable charging infrastructure to support the growth of BEVs is one of the main challenges of electrification. Governments and industries are collaborating to invest in charging infrastructure to support the transition to electrictransportation.

Overall, a variety of alternative technologies; each with their own advantages and disadvantages, can be used to decarbonize semi trucks. By exploring a range of possibilities, we can work towards a future where sustainable transport is the norm, and emissions are significantly reduced.

THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT

Although the decarbonization of semi trucks is a major challenge, it is also a significant opportunity for the transport industry to set the standard for sustainable transportation. By exploring various alternate technologies, we can work towards a future where transportation is powered by renewable energy, which in turn may have a significant impact on reducing emissions .

Collaborations between governments, industry, and environmental groups, as well as significant investments in research and development will be necessary to achieve this. However, there is no denying the advantages of sustainable transportation, and technology is advancing rapidly to make it a reality.

The decarbonization of semi trucks will play a crucial role in ensuring a sustainable future for transportation as the world continues to focus on reducing carbon emissions and limiting climate change.