Developments in recent months have brought some clarity to what the future of zero emissions truck transportation will look like. The paths forged by truck manufacturers – incumbents and start-ups, alike – tell us there will be a wide variety of battery-electric trucks available for local deliveries of lighter-weight loads.

For heavier, longhaul loads, hydrogen fuel cells will likely be needed to extend battery life and range. My colleague Rolf Lockwood writes about the future promise of hydrogen fuel cells here, but until an expansive fueling network is developed, it remains just that – a promising future technology.

Battery-electric trucks can be ordered and put into service today, where applicable. The fueling piece of the puzzle is less complicated as they are initially being deployed on short, repeated routes and return home regularly for charging. There’s a small segment of the industry that fits that description.

Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on trucking to reduce its carbon footprint.

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