Abstract:

Transformation processes for decarbonization have now reached the heavy-duty mobility sector. Several studies have analyzed the external costs of conventional powertrains and freight transport. However, a thorough evaluation of the external costs of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles is missing. Using a Well-To-Wheel analysis, the study estimates external costs related to ten different emissions of Battery-Electric Vehicles and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles on the basis of different pathways and energy sources. The results suggest that Battery-Electric Vehicles cause the least amount of external costs in most of the cases investigated here. Yet, energy source and payload have a substantial effect on the outcome and can even lead to results in which Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles with Steam Methane Reforming pathways would be the best solution for mitigating external costs. Policymakers should therefore not only focus on tailpipe emissions when trying to incentivize market sales of Zero-Emission Vehicles.