For the world to prevent runaway climate change, the transportation sector must be fully decarbonised. Despite substantial leaps towards decarbonising urban mobility, the freight sector remains a challenge provided the lack of confidence in Zero Emissions Heavy Vehicles (ZEHVs) such as Battery Electric and Hydrogen Fuel Cell trucks, and the sheer distances and heavy loads involved.

Matthew Sin, a Civil Engineering student and Taste of Research Scholar at the Research Centre of Integrated Transport Innovations (rCITI) of the University of New South Wales (UNSW), has undertaken a detailed literature review on the viability of ZEHVs and the total cost of ownership of battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell heavy vehicles. In his presentation at rCITI weekly seminars, he discusses overseas findings on the current economic competitiveness of ZEHVs and relating back to Australia, current challenges for ZEHV deployment and opportunities to improve ZEHV attractiveness such as reducing the total cost of onwership. This research contribution will help provide additional insights on deploying ZEHVs and the effects of policy interventions within Australia, ensuring the freight sector has a clear pathway to experience deep, rapid and sustained cuts in emissions.