Decrease CO2 Emissions / Global Challenges

Decarbonising Road Freight - A concept that has become more reality, than fantasy.

It's difficult to imagine that the days of semi-trucks roaring up the road, bellowing copious amounts of smoke fumes from their exhausts, could ever become a thing of the past, but thanks to some pioneers within the industry, the transition towards a cleaner delivery model is closer than many realise. In short, it is possible and it's already happening.

Shell and Deloitte have formed a partnership to investigate the issue and have developed a number of reports that reveal where things are currently sitting and what direction they need to head in. The full report is available here.

The report identifies that yes, there are significant challenges. For example 31% of global C02 emissions come from harder-to-abate sectors.

In order to achieve the goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement, the sector needs to reduce its emission intensity by over 80%, in less than 30 years. No small task and most significantly, the sector needs to achieve a reduction of approximately 30%, before 2030. So how can we address the issue? As per usual it comes down to a combination of necessity, science, determination and innovation.

Products and goods need to be delivered and clearly this is not always possible by train, ship or plane. Road freight is essential and it requires energy, more often than not in the form of fossil fuels. The industry is complex, with a wide range of vehicle types, purpose-built to manage specific tasks.  Consequently, the solution needs to be multifaceted and as with all technological advances, there is the possibility that the wrong horse gets backed, only to be surpassed later by superior technology. With the long-life span of most freight assets, this is a serious concern and one that can lead many to wait on the fence, which unfortunately bears to benefit for the planet, our environment and the current crisis.

So what are the preferred solutions? E-trucks are currently leading the way either in the form of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) or battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The primary difference between them being FCEVs use hydrogen to generate electricity to power the electric motor. The engine generates zero emissions from the vehicle. BEVs use electricity stored in batteries to power an electric motor directly. The issue with BEVs is that batteries don't hold a great deal of electricity relative to their size and weight, so a compromise must be struck between the amount of cargo transported, the distance of the trip and the amount of batteries stored/used to power the engine, FCEVs don't face this issue, but there is inefficiencies in converting electrcty into hydrogen, only to use it to creat electricity again.

In essence, decarbonizing road freight isn't merely a far-off aspiration; it's a tangible reality taking shape. With innovative collaborations like Shell and Deloitte's partnership, the industry is confronting the challenges head-on. The shift towards cleaner models such as E-trucks, whether through FCEVs or BEVs, highlights a pivotal step in the right direction. However, it's not just about adopting new technologies but also about optimizing efficiency and addressing limitations. As we navigate this transformative phase, the key lies in our ability to balance necessity with sustainable advancements, fostering a future where road freight plays a vital role in delivery while significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

The Maxiloda Team