Yuanzhen Wang

RWTH Aachen: Fuel cells in trucks continue to outperform batteries on long-haul routes The PEM Chair at RWTH Aachen University has analyzed the operational capability and operating costs of fuel cell trucks. The study shows that fuel cell trucks continue to offer advantages over battery-electric trucks in terms of range and refueling time, but are still held back by high hydrogen prices. The "Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components" (PEM) Chair at RWTH Aachen University has published a comprehensive techno-economic evaluation of trucks with battery-electric and fuel cell-electric drives. The results were published in the journal "Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives." The study compares the operational flexibility, infrastructure access, and operating costs of fuel cell trucks with battery-electric trucks in realistic application scenarios. The comparisons are very specific to specific models and scenarios. According to PEM Director Professor Achim Kampker, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for emission-free heavy-duty transport: "The respective economic viability depends heavily on the application profile, the existing infrastructure, and the level of technological maturity." The study shows that fuel cell trucks offer a very long range. However, study author Maximilian Bayerlein emphasizes: "Unfortunately, they cannot currently exploit this unique selling point due to the considerable hydrogen prices and the sparse infrastructure." Using maps, the study also shows which routes have gaps in the refueling station infrastructure. Fuel cell trucks retain advantages for long-distance transport and refueling times The study highlights that fuel cell trucks offer advantages in refueling times, especially in long-distance transport with high daily mileage. Regarding the ranges of battery-electric trucks, the authors emphasize that these are often not fully utilized in order to remain within the fast battery charging range of between 20 and 80%. Fuel cell drives are therefore particularly advantageous for long-distance applications. For longer distances, the operating costs of fuel cell trucks approach those of battery-electric trucks, but remain higher due to high hydrogen prices. If a large annual distance is calculated from many short trips, the calculation shifts in favor of the battery. Professor Kampker explains: "The energy costs of electricity and hydrogen have the greatest influence on the costs of both technologies. However, if hydrogen prices fall, fuel cell trucks could become economically competitive." The study concludes that the operation of hydrogen trucks in Central Europe is fundamentally feasible. The authors see a new generation of fuel cell trucks with longer ranges and improved efficiency shortly before market launch.

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