If the internal combustion engine has defined the modern age, then one must also recognise the importance of diesel, which over time has helped create today’s global supply chain. The world’s first series-built diesel truck made its debut in 1924, courtesy of Benz & Cie., predecessor to Daimler Trucks. Today, however, the world’s largest truckmaker is drawing attention to its efforts in the zero-emissions space, with both battery-electric and hydrogen-powered, fuel cell electric Class 8 vehicles under development.
The truck industry knows that diesel’s day will eventually come: on the one hand, regulators in major markets are slowly closing in on harmful emissions and greenhouse gasses, whilst on the other, the economic case for electric trucks is starting to add up in segments such as delivery. Yet none expect diesel to disappear overnight. This latest special report from Automotive World explores what the transition may look like, and what challenges and opportunities lie ahead for truckmakers and fleet operators.
- Technology and politics will plot the route to post-diesel trucking
- Diesel trucking’s departure far from imminent, with further efficiency gains available
- Do not discount diesel’s green trucking potential
- Ditching diesel will not happen overnight, say truckmakers
- Regulations will drive a gradual diesel phase-out, but uncertainty remains in US
- Still no clear winner in trucking’s green powertrain market
- Zero emissions trucks need mass production for costs to fall
'Special report: When will the trucking industry be ready to ditch diesel?' presents insight from:
- ACT Research
- DAF Trucks
- FEV
- Frost & Sullivan
- Logistics UK
- McKinsey
- Ricardo
- Scania
- Shell Commercial Fuels
- Traton
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