| Authors: | Linda Ager-Wick Ellingsen, Rebecca Jayne Thorne, Ingrid Sundvor |
| Report nr: | 2072/2025 |
| ISBN (digital version): | 978-82-480-2350-0 |
| Language: | English |
| Attachments | Summary, pdf Full report, pdf Sammendrag, pdf |
This study compares the environmental performance of diesel, fuel cell, and battery electric powertrains for regional trucks with trailers and long-haul tractors with semi-trailers. Using the life cycle assessment (LCA) method, the environmental impacts were evaluated across five categories, covering the entire life cycle—from cradle to grave—including both vehicle equipment and energy carriers. The results show that no single powertrain is superior across all impact categories. The electric vehicles had lower impacts in two categories, including climate change, whereas the diesel vehicles performed better than both electric powertrains in three of the five categories. That said, climate change mitigation remains the primary driver for electrification. Although both electric powertrain types exhibited similar environmental profiles, notable differences were found between them. Given the rapid pace of technological advancements, regular updates to the assessment will be necessary to reflect the latest developments and help stakeholders identify effective strategies for enhancing environmental performance as these technologies evolve.
