In response to the nation’s 2030 climate goals, Canada’s trucking industry has witnessed a surge in technological advancements in recent years aimed at improving efficiency, reducing emissions, and enhancing overall performance. Fleet operators and trucking companies—including those serving Canada’s forestry and wood product industries—are uniquely positioned to support emission reduction efforts while continuing to play a pivotal role in our nation’s supply chain management. From electrification of fleets to adopting alternative-fuel engine systems like hydrogen fuel cells to optimization of diesel-powered trucks, several options can help accelerate the transition towards low- and zero-emission trucking.
Among the most notable new products and innovations, electric and hydrogen-powered trucks promise to transform how goods are transported across the vast Canadian landscape. The fuel-cell-electric truck, which uses hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity, offers a clean and efficient alternative to traditional diesel-powered trucks. New alt-fuel innovations provide a viable solution for long-haul transportation while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
With zero tailpipe emissions and lower operating costs over the long term, forward-thinking fleet operators and freight companies are increasingly adopting fuel-cell-electric trucks. Nikola promises to be a front-runner in alt-fuel innovation for the trucking industry, emerging with the first production-ready Class 8 fuel-cell-electric trucks on North American roads at this year’s Truck World, happening April 18-20, 2024, at the International Centre.
Misconceptions about EV trucks hinder adoption
Despite the potential that electric and alternative fuel trucks have in reducing emissions, the industry faces several challenges—including misconceptions about EV trucks—that hinder their widespread adoption. From concerns about infrastructure requirements to range anxieties, debunking these myths is crucial in accelerating the transition to cleaner transportation solutions.
One of the greatest roadblocks to EV and alt-fuel truck adoption is cost. Though funding exists to support the transition to zero-emission vehicle use, the total cost of ownership (TCO) of electric and alternative fuel trucks remains a concern, especially when compared to conventional diesel vehicles. However, while the upfront costs of electric and hydrogen trucks may be higher, their lower operating costs, reduced maintenance requirements, and potential government incentives can offset these initial investments over the vehicle’s lifespan. As battery and fuel cell technologies continue to mature and economies of scale are realized, the TCO of electric and alternative fuel trucks is expected to become increasingly competitive.
Range anxiety, or the fear of running out of battery or hydrogen during a journey, is another prevalent concern that often deters fleet operators from transitioning to electric and alternative fuel trucks. However, advancements in battery and hydrogen storage technologies have significantly extended the range of these vehicles, with some models making it up to over 700 km, making them suitable for long-haul transportation.
Plus, developing fast-charging and rapid-refueling solutions further alleviates concerns about range limitations, ensuring that electric and hydrogen trucks can meet the demands of even the most challenging routes. Mack Trucks, for example, has created a unique solution to range anxieties by mounting a mobile off-grid charging system for customers running its MD Electric truck.
Mack’s solution also addresses concerns around EV charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure – transportation companies require reliable access to charging and fuelling stations to ensure not only delivery to areas across Canada but the return of trucks back to their depots. While Canada still has a long way to go in making EV charging stations as accessible as traditional gas stations—especially in rural areas—significant investments have been made to expand on existing infrastructure.
The feasibility of alt-fuel trucks is becoming promising as infrastructure develops
As the infrastructure for electric and hydrogen refueling stations continues to expand across Canada, and as advancements in battery technology lead to the emergence of high-capacity electric trucks capable of hauling heavy loads over extended distances, the feasibility of integrating alternative fuel trucks into fleets becomes increasingly promising.
The case for zero-emission truck innovations is clear, but what can we do to reduce emissions in current fleets? While electrification offers a promising pathway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, diesel trucks will continue to play a significant role in the transportation sector for the foreseeable future, continuing to serve as a reliable and efficient option for many operators. Should fleet operators and trucking companies be unable to immediately transition to EV or alt-fuel trucks, advancements in diesel engine technology and aerodynamic enhancements are poised to make existing vehicles cleaner and more efficient than ever before.
Optimizing fuel efficiency is crucial to reducing emissions from diesel trucks. For example, aerodynamic upgrades, such as streamlined cab designs, trailer skirts, and side fairings, can significantly reduce drag and improve fuel economy by minimizing air resistance. Optimizing axle ratios can further enhance the fuel efficiency of diesel trucks, allowing trucks to achieve optimal performance by selecting the appropriate axle ratio based on the vehicle’s intended application and load requirements. Advanced transmission technologies, such as automated manual transmissions (AMTs) and continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), can also contribute to improved fuel efficiency.
Plus, ongoing research and development efforts are focused on improving the environmental performance of diesel engines through advanced emissions control technologies. Systems such as selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and diesel particulate filters (DPFs) help reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter emissions, respectively, ensuring that diesel trucks comply with stringent emissions regulations.
Canada’s trucking industry is on the brink of a transformation, driven by innovative products and technologies. As companies operating in the wood products sector and beyond embrace electric and alternative fuel trucks, they stand to reap the benefits of reduced emissions, lower operating costs, and enhanced sustainability. As the trucking industry evolves, stakeholders must consider the unique strengths and capabilities of diesel, electric, and alternative fuel trucks to achieve sustainable and efficient transportation solutions. By leveraging the latest advancements in diesel engine technology and aerodynamics, fleet operators can minimize emissions and maximize fuel efficiency, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Interested in learning more? Truck World, Canada’s largest trucking event, is set to return April 18-20, 2024, showcasing the latest in trucks, equipment and innovations shaping the business landscape for transportation and trucking. With a clear focus on green technology, this year’s event is where the industry can learn, discover and network with companies dedicated to alternative fuels, sustainable equipment and technologies.
For more information, visit www.truckworld.ca.
Rick LeBlanc, EMBA, is the founder and editor of Reusable Packaging News (subscribe to the free newsletter) and editor of Western Pallet Magazine. A supply chain journalist with more than 30 years of experience, he specializes in pallets, reusable packaging, material handling and related operations. Rick is co-author of Pallets: A North American Perspective and Pallets & Progress: A Collected History of Pallets and Palletized Handling 1922–1945. He is also an advisory board member of the Virginia Tech Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design. Read Rick’s full bio.
