eFuels in road freight transport: applications in logistics
eFuels in road freight transport: applications in logistics
eFuels in road freight transport: a fuel option for existing vehicle fleets
Road freight transport faces a range of technical, economic and regulatory challenges. Against this background, different propulsion and fuel options are being discussed. These include eFuels, whose properties allow them to be used in many existing combustion engines. This page explains the associated requirements and potential applications.
Table of contents
The challenge of defossilization in road freight transport
Road freight transport faces a central challenge: while many areas of the transport sector can be electrified, heavy goods transport is considered difficult or impossible to electrify. This is not just a technical issue, but also a question of efficiency:
- Battery-powered solutions reach their limits in lorries because of their high weight and limited range.
- Hydrogen is being promoted as a leading option, but it also brings challenges, such as complex storage and infrastructure requirements.
However, a more realistic solution that can be implemented immediately is available in the form of eFuels: synthetic fuels that can be seamlessly integrated into existing vehicles and infrastructure.
What are eFuels and why are they ideal for heavy goods vehicles?
eFuels are synthetic fuels that can be produced using renewable energy, water and carbon sources. They have properties similar to fossil fuels and can be used in many existing road freight transport applications.
High energy density:
eFuels provide the necessary energy for long-distance transportation thanks to the high energy density of the fuel.
Compatibility:
Trucks with combustion engines can use eFuels without conversion. Existing vehicle fleets can continue to be used.
Infrastructure:
At filling stations and in pipelines that currently transport fossil fuels can also be used for eFuels.
Challenges for hydrogen - are eFuels the alternative?
The use of hydrogen in heavy goods transportation is being discussed as a forward-looking solution. Nevertheless, several challenges stand in the way of the widespread introduction of hydrogen technologies:
Low volumetric energy density
- Although hydrogen contains a lot of energy per kilogram(high gravimetric energy density), it takes up a lot of space per liter(low volumetric energy density). This means that hydrogen in its gaseous form takes up a large volume and vehicles would have to be equipped with very large tanks in order to achieve sufficient range. To avoid this, hydrogen must be highly compressed or liquefied, which involves a very high energy input and requires complex storage systems.
- However, even with these measures, hydrogen does not achieve the energy density of liquid synthetic fuels. This leads to a shorter range and practical restrictions in the use of hydrogen trucks compared to conventional vehicles.
Infrastructure problems
- Hydrogen requires special filling stations, pipelines and storage systems. These are technically demanding and cost-intensive, as hydrogen has to be stored under high pressure or in liquid form at extremely low temperatures.
- The expansion of this infrastructure is lagging behind the targets set. Although the national hydrogen strategy sets ambitious targets, there are no clear deadlines or transparent financial planning.
- This infrastructure not only requires a high level of investment, but is also much more maintenance-intensive and has a shorter service life than the infrastructure for hydrocarbon-based fuels.
Uncertainties for users
- For logistics companies and vehicle manufacturers, investments in hydrogen-based technologies are associated with risks, as there is currently no security of supply and expansion is only progressing slowly.
In addition, the acquisition costs for hydrogen trucks are significantly higher than for conventional diesel vehicles. A hydrogen-powered tractor unit can cost up to three times as much as a diesel tractor unit. These high costs represent a considerable financial burden and increase the investment risk for companies. - Companies that want (and need) to switch to hydrogen are dependent on progress in expanding the infrastructure – progress that is currently much slower than planned.
Achieving the climate targets
The EU’s climate targets are prompting intensive discussion of different propulsion and fuel technologies for heavy goods transport. Both hydrogen and other technology-neutral approaches are being considered.
Only a small proportion of the hydrogen currently available comes from production processes based on renewable energy sources (see the International Energy Agency study). The further development of production capacity and availability is influenced by technological, economic and regulatory conditions.
Source: International Energy Agency.
Practical applications of eFuels in freight transport
eFuels are particularly suitable where other technologies reach their limits:
Long-distance traffic:
For trucks that travel long distances every day, eFuels offer the necessary range without compromising the payload or causing long downtimes due to recharging.
Heavy-duty operation:
Trucks that have to transport heavy loads benefit from the high energy density of eFuels. Unlike batteries, eFuels do not increase the vehicle weight and therefore allow full payload capacity.
Fleet management:
Logistics companies can easily convert their existing truck fleets to eFuels without having to invest heavily in new vehicles or infrastructure.
Challenges and long-term prospects
Like any new technology, eFuels still have hurdles to overcome:
- Production costs:
The production costs of eFuels are currently still higher than those of fossil fuels. However, with increasing scaling, technological progress and fiscal framework conditions, costs may fall. You can find more information on the cost development of eFuels here. - Availability:
The production of eFuels is currently still limited. Planned large-scale plants in Europe and worldwide are expected to significantly increase capacities in the coming years. - Regulatory framework:
The current legal framework for synthetic fuels is characterized by bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of clarity. This situation is a major obstacle to the rapid expansion of the necessary capacities. You can find out more here.
Why eFuels are being discussed for heavy goods transport
eFuels have properties that may be relevant to certain heavy goods transport applications.
Suitability for use
They can be used in existing vehicles and with existing infrastructure.
Practicality
No loss of range or payload - eFuels enable unrestricted use.
Future security
As production increases, eFuels will become more affordable and more widely available.
Heavy goods transport faces a range of technical, economic and regulatory challenges. In this context, eFuels are being discussed as a possible fuel option, particularly because of their potential compatibility with existing vehicle and infrastructure systems.
Conclusion: the role of eFuels in heavy goods transport
Hydrogen and eFuels are being discussed as different options for heavy goods transport applications. While the development of different technologies depends on technical, economic and regulatory conditions, the properties of eFuels allow them to be used in many existing vehicles and infrastructure systems.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about eFuels in road freight transport
Heavy goods transport places high demands on drive and energy technologies, especially for long-distance journeys or transportation with high payloads. eFuels offer several advantages here:
- High energy density: Like conventional diesel, eFuels provide enough energy for long distances without reducing the payload.
- Fast refueling: Refueling takes as little time as with fossil fuels, which minimizes downtimes.
- Compatibility: eFuels can be used in conventional combustion engines without the need for technical modifications.
- Use of existing infrastructure: filling stations and pipelines for diesel can be used for eFuels without conversion.
Yes, that is one of the biggest advantages of eFuels. Unlike other alternatives such as hydrogen, eFuels do not require any new drive systems or special infrastructure. They can be used directly in existing vehicle fleets, which significantly accelerates their introduction.
Hydrogen is an important component in the production of eFuels, but the two technologies have different advantages and disadvantages:
eFuels:
- Ready for immediate use, as existing vehicles and infrastructure can be used.
- Particularly suitable for long distances and heavy loads where no conversion is required.
Hydrogen:
- Requires special fuel cell drives and own infrastructure (filling stations, storage).
- In the long term, a good option for new technologies, which are currently only available to a limited extent.
eFuels are being discussed in connection with various strategies for transforming heavy goods transport. Their properties allow them to be used in many existing combustion engines, which is why they are often considered a possible fuel option for existing vehicle fleets.
The use of different propulsion and fuel technologies depends on technical, economic and regulatory conditions. Alongside battery-electric propulsion and hydrogen, eFuels are also being discussed as part of technology-neutral approaches to heavy goods transport.
Sources:
- Tagesschau, 26 August 2024: Article on hydrogen storage (26 August 2024)
- Update to the National Hydrogen Strategy, Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), July 2023: National Hydrogen Strategy PDF (2023)
- Technological background on hydrogen, Andrew Moore Scientist: https://andrewmoorescientist.com/2-hydrogen/
Newsletter registration
Notes on data protection
Our free newsletter informs you regularly by e-mail about new products and special promotions. The data you enter here will only be used to personalize the newsletter and will not be passed on to third parties. You can unsubscribe from the newsletter at any time or revoke your consent at any time by sending an e-mail to . Your data will be deleted within 2 months after you stop receiving the newsletter, provided that there are no statutory retention obligations to the contrary. By submitting the data you have entered, you consent to the data processing and confirm our privacy policy.
