The world of road freight transport is undergoing a significant transformation as the push for decarbonization becomes paramount. With a quarter of all mobility-related CO2 emissions stemming from road freight transport, the European Union has set ambitious targets for emission reductions in the coming years.
Enter hydrogen, a promising alternative fuel that is poised to play a crucial role in meeting these targets. Air Liquide, a key player in the hydrogen industry, is at the forefront of this transition. Thierry Carbonnel, Marketing Director for Heavy Duty Mobility at Air Liquide, sheds light on the challenges and opportunities presented by hydrogen in the road transport sector.
While hydrogen-powered road transport may still be in its early stages, notable progress has already been made in countries like China and Europe. The benefits of hydrogen vehicles, such as reduced noise, enhanced driving comfort, and zero exhaust emissions except for water vapor, are increasingly becoming apparent. Major truck manufacturers are also investing in hydrogen truck projects, signaling a shift towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation options.
Key technologies are being explored in the realm of hydrogen-powered trucks, including fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and internal combustion engines (ICE) that run on hydrogen. These technologies offer promising solutions for reducing emissions and enhancing energy efficiency in the transportation sector.
From a transport operator’s perspective, the advantages of hydrogen are clear. Rapid refueling times, extended ranges, and minimal impact on payload make hydrogen an attractive option for long-distance transport operations. As the industry moves towards hydrogen technology, the cost of transitioning to hydrogen is being carefully considered, with predictions of hydrogen/diesel parity by 2030.
