Technoeconomic comparison of an electric road system and hydrogen for decarbonising the UK's long-haul road freight

Abstract

Long-haul Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) are a significant source of carbon emissions, accounting for around 5% of the UK's total. If the UK is to meet its net zero mandate, it is vital to have a zero-emissions alternative to the traditional diesel-powered HGVs that is cost-effective and widespread in the 2040s. This paper presents a technoeconomic comparison of two solutions for decarbonising long-haul heavy goods vehicles in the UK: electric HGVs with an electric road system (overhead catenary) along the major road network, and fuel cell HGVs with public refuelling stations supplying green hydrogen. The results of the technoeconomic analysis show that overhead catenaries and compatible HGVs are the more energy-efficient and cost-effective solution to decarbonise the UK's long-haul road freight network and would provide both the infrastructure provider and fleet operators with competitive payback periods. With this approach, there is a potential to reclaim 30–80% of the diesel tax revenue currently earned by the UK government from HGVs, depending on the price of electricity. Conversely, the green hydrogen solution will require substantial government subsidies, particularly during the 2030s, to encourage fleet operators to purchase and use hydrogen fuel cell HGVs.