Many states are moving towards zero-emission vehicles, making battery electric trucks an attractive option. However, the creation of lithium-ion batteries to power these trucks increases overall carbon production. TRB hosted a webinar on Thursday, June 20, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM Eastern that presented the opportunities and challenges battery electric trucks face and compare them to others, such as hydrogen fuel cells and renewable diesel. Presenters shared the primary alternative vehicle fuel types currently pursued by industry and government and the pros and cons for each. Presenters also discussed costs, benefits, and consequences for each from a freight perspective.

This webinar was sponsored by the TRB Standing Technical Committees on Trucking Industry Research, Intermodal Freight Transport, and Truck and Bus Safety.

The slides are linked in the meeting materials. View the recorded webinar below.

Webinar agenda and presenters

1. Trucking industry research on zero-emission tailpipes – Dan Murray, ATRI

2. Engine manufacturer’s perspective on meeting governmental regulations and industry expectations – Jose Samperio, Cummins Engine

3. EPA’s Smartway program – Denise Kearns, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

4. Question and answer session moderated by Paul Ruiz, American Trucking Associations

The first 60 minutes of the webinar were for presentations and the final 30 minutes were reserved for audience questions.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this webinar, participants can:

1. Provide a primer on different fuels and assess the full lifecycle carbon protection of various trucks

2. Understand the operational requirement of trucks and which energy source best fits freight business models

Professional Development Hours

This webinar was delivered as a scheduled – e-learning live event and is categorized within RCEP as Technical, Health and Safety.

Professional Development Hours (PDHs) earned on completion of this program were reported to the Registered Continuing Education Program (RCEP). Certificates of Completion are issued to all participants via the RCEP.net online system. Complaints about registered providers may be addressed to RCEP, 1015 15th Street, NW, 8th Fl., Washington, DC, 20005.