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Even as the world accelerates towards a greener tomorrow, fossil fuels are still dominating the road. Fossil fuels like petroleum and diesel contribute to the majority of CO2 emissions, causing transportation in the logistics sector to lag behind in the transition to a clean environment.
Hydrogen fuel cell trucks and electric vehicles, unlike fossil fuels, produce minimal to zero emissions, naturally making them a better choice for green logistics solutions. However, choosing between these sustainable fuels for freight also requires considering other factors such as cost, accessibility, distance, load and more.
EVs: Ideal for short hauls, lighter cargo, quick accessibility and budget friendly runs
Last-mile delivery EVs are now making their way into the transportation sector as a low maintenance alternative. Compared to the cost of filling a tank of diesel or petrol, the cost of charging an electric vehicle is much lower. With new Indian government policies and the adoption of emerging technologies in the EV industry, the total cost of ownership is also declining significantly, making it a more cost-effective option for the logistics sector.
However, given the challenges of covering long distances on a single charge and the current lack of charging stations, electric trucks in logistic sectors are currently being used mainly for last-mile deliveries. Since the battery range can also vary based on terrain, load and weather, EV adoption in logistics for short freight sectors like e-commerce, grocery delivery and pharma with less load, is more practical than that of long-freights.
Hydrogen-fuelled vehicles: Built for long hauls, heavy loads and quick refuelling
Where electric vehicles begin to fall short, hydrogen as a fuel steps in. It works similarly to fossil fuels, offering faster refuelling time but with zero emissions. Hydrogen-fuelled trucks carry heavy loads without any significant impact on the performance, making them an ideal option for sectors like manufacturing, mining and cross-border transport, where mileage is high and routes are long. However, the production and transport of hydrogen is an expensive process, making it not easily accessible.
As an easily combustible fuel, the transport of hydrogen requires stricter safety precautions and the employment of secure infrastructures. Nevertheless, with increased investment and the establishment of hydrogen refuelling stations, hydrogen presents a promising path forward for fleet operators looking beyond city limits and into long-term, high-mileage operations.
The road ahead with the optimal fuel
While both prove to be optimal in the clean freight transport sector, the choice of hydrogen vs electrical vehicles depends on distance, load, cost and accessibility. EVs work best for short, light urban routes, while hydrogen suits long-haul, heavy freight. As logistics providers plan their next-generation fleets and adopt to the sustainable logistics trends in India, understanding where each technology fits best will be key to staying competitive in a greener, faster-moving world.
