Battery Systems
Key considerations for shifting to a zero-emissions truck fleet
In the wake of climate change concerns and the global push for sustainability, transitioning heavy-duty truck fleets from diesel power to zero-emissions power is now a rapidly rising priority. But it’s not as simple as swapping a diesel engine for a fuel cell engine or electric motor and battery system. Making the shift requires careful planning and consideration to ensure a smooth and successful transition.
If you’re a fleet owner looking to make the switch to a clean power alternative, here are six things you should do before making the switch:
- Assess your current fleet
- Identify which zero-emissions power solutions best fit your needs
- Evaluate total cost of ownership (TCO)
- Review infrastructure requirements
- Get your teams trained to operate and maintain zero-emissions vehicles
- Choose the right technology partner
Evaluate your existing fleet
Start by evaluating your existing fleet of heavy-duty trucks. Understand their age, condition and performance metrics. This assessment will help you determine which vehicles are suitable for retrofitting or replacing with zero-emissions alternatives.
Next, analyze fleet size and usage patterns to determine the optimal number and type of zero-emissions vehicles needed to meet your transportation needs. Consider factors such as range, payload capacity and duty cycles. Talk with key stakeholders, including drivers, fleet managers and executives, early in the planning process to ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of what to look for in a zero-emissions power solution and are aligned on the next steps for integration.
Identify which zero-emissions power solution best fit your needs
It all starts with understanding what technology is available and how it works. At Accelera™ by Cummins, we know multiple paths are required to achieve emissions goals - from near-zero to zero emissions - for industry-wide decarbonization.
It’s best to familiarize yourself with the available low- and zero-emissions power for heavy-duty trucks:
- Battery electric: Utilizes large batteries to power electric motors, offering zero emissions and high efficiency but requires significant charging infrastructure.
- Fuel cell electric: Uses hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity for electric motors, providing long-range power and quick refueling, with water vapor as the only emission.
- Hybrid: Combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor, improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions while maintaining extended range and flexibility.
- Eco-fuels: Refers to alternative fuels, like synthetic diesel or renewable natural gas, designed to reduce carbon footprint and emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels.
- Biodiesel: Produced from renewable biological sources, such as vegetable oils or animal fats, it can be used in existing diesel engines with minimal modifications, reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Each technology has benefits and limitations, so it's essential to choose the one that aligns best with your operational needs and infrastructure capabilities.
Evaluate total cost of ownership (TCO)
It is important to consider the TCO over the lifetime of the vehicles, encompassing upfront costs, ongoing operating expenses, and potential savings on fuel and maintenance. Although zero-emissions vehicles may entail higher initial investments, they frequently yield lower operational expenses and substantial long-term savings.
At present, TCO is not directly comparable; however, it is anticipated that around the year 2030, this equation will undergo a shift toward enhanced cost competitiveness. Legislative measures and funding initiatives will play a pivotal role in accelerating this transformation, where zero-emissions solutions emerge as increasingly viable and economically attractive alternatives to diesel and H2ICE powered trucks.
Pilot programs + partnerships
Consider participating in pilot programs or partnering with manufacturers, suppliers, or government agencies to explore zero-emissions options and gain valuable insights into their performance and feasibility in real-world applications.
Technology demonstration projects are a catalyst for the widespread adoption of new technologies. Through real-world showcases, these projects provide tangible evidence of the feasibility, reliability, and the benefits of the technology. By demonstrating their technical and economic viability, they inspire confidence among partners, investors, policymakers, and end users. With reduced uncertainties and risks, technology demonstration projects attract private investments, drive policy support, and propel market uptake. They generate valuable data and insights, informing future enhancements and cost reductions, making clean energy technologies increasingly competitive.
Review infrastructure requirements
Infrastructure is vital. This includes evaluating the availability of charging or refueling stations along routes. It's essential to recognize that the fuel cell customer extends beyond original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). A key example of this is within the state of California with the implementation of the Advanced Clean Fleets Act. The act aims to accelerate the transition of commercial vehicles to zero-emissions by 2045. This means all new trucks sold in the state must be zero-emissions, with interim targets to ensure steady progress. The act focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality, particularly in disadvantaged communities, by promoting the adoption of electric and hydrogen fuel cell trucks across various fleet operations.
Recent initiatives by the U.S. government, such as the announcement of regional hydrogen hubs, underscore a growing commitment to infrastructure development. These hydrogen hubs will play a crucial role in facilitating the adoption of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) by providing refueling stations and supporting the growth of a hydrogen economy.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advocates for investments in both battery electric vehicle (BEV) and FCEV infrastructures, recognizing the complementary nature of these technologies. While BEVs are further along in the adoption curve compared to FCEVs, the current electric infrastructure may not be sufficient to support widespread adoption solely through BEVs. Incorporating fuel cell technology alongside BEVs presents a dual-path strategy that maximizes options for the transition to a zero-emissions future. This approach accelerates progress toward establishing a truly sustainable transportation ecosystem, ensuring flexibility and resilience in the face of evolving needs and challenges.
Train your teams to operate + maintain zero-emissions vehicles
Ensure that your team is either adequately trained to operate and maintain zero-emissions vehicles or there are suitable service options nearby for required maintenance. Look for companies that are equipped to support our expanding portfolio of zero-emissions technologies. Leveraging the extensive service support network through a trusted partner is a good road to take, as infrastructure and supply chains are already in place. Look for a comprehensive network of service centers that spans coast to coast, ideally with locations in every state. With this extensive coverage, assistance for H2ICE, BEV, and FCEV fleets is readily accessible whenever and wherever needed, ensuring minimal downtime and uninterrupted operations.
Choose the right technology partner
Transitioning heavy-duty truck fleets to zero-emissions alternatives is a multi-faceted journey that requires advanced planning, substantial investment and strong collaboration. As you navigate this shift toward cleaner solutions, it's crucial to acknowledge that the energy transition won't occur overnight, and challenges lie ahead. And you need a technology partner who knows the ins and outs of new technology adoption.
Your technology partner should be able to guide you through integrating non-diesel heavy-duty trucks into your fleet – from selecting the right technology to identifying key metrics, like fuel savings and emissions reductions, to track progress and performance to ensure your fleet goals are met.
Partnering with Accelera
At Accelera, we emphasize the importance of partnering with those who share our vision and commitment to sustainability. We know there’s no quick-fix solution to decarbonize fleets and it will take time before large-scale adoption is feasible. Diesel had decades of refinement to be the technology of choice for heavy-duty trucks. Now it’s our turn. It’s why we developed the broadest portfolio of zero-emissions solutions and are continuously innovating and adapting our product designs for optimized durability, performance and efficiency.
Accelera is uniquely positioned to be in it for the long haul and lead the way toward global decarbonization. In addition to having over 70 years of hydrogen experience and backed over a century of Cummins manufacturing knowledge, we already have an established service network to support you through every stage of technology adoption. With thousands of service locations and expert technicians worldwide, we ensure your fleet experiences minimal downtime to keep vehicles in operation and on the road.
As the world continues its journey through the energy transition, remember that there are many paths forward and Accelera stands ready as a strong partner to help you navigate the road ahead.
