While the adoption of zero-emission vehicles by households has gained momentum in recent years, commercial trucking fleets have faced more complex challenges due to operational demands and cost considerations. The transition from diesel-powered trucks to electric vehicles (EVs) is not only about environmental impact but also performance, cost-effectiveness and logistics; factors that are often difficult to navigate for smaller trucking firms.
A new initiative led by McMaster’s Institute for Transportation and Logistics (MITL) seeks to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) within Canada’s trucking industry. The project, led by Moataz Mohamed, Associate Professor of Smart Systems and Transportation in the Department of Civil Engineering and Director of MITL, will provide a crucial resource for fleet decision-makers navigating the complexities of transitioning to cleaner technologies.
The project, titled “Reducing the Perceived Risks of Adopting Medium and Heavy Duty Zero Emission Vehicles: A Knowledge Hub for Fleet Decisionmakers,” will deliver an online platform that helps trucking companies assess and make informed decisions about the integration of zero-emission vehicles, including battery electric, fuel-cell hydrogen and renewable natural gas-powered trucks. It is funded by Natural Resources Canada under the Zero Emission Vehicle Awareness initiative.
“There are many questions fleets need to answer before considering a transition,” says Mohamed. “How will electric trucks perform in extreme cold weather or on routes with significant elevation changes? What are the operational and logistical hurdles? And what roles do government incentives play?”
Creating a digital hub of resources and support for industry
One of the project’s primary goals is to provide accessible, evidence-based data to help fleet operators of all sizes evaluate the long-term impacts of adopting ZEVs, which are often difficult to obtain, especially for smaller players in the trucking industry. According to Mohamed, while the largest trucking firms have the resources to analyze this data internally, many of the over 100,000 trucking companies in Canada, including small and owner-operator firms, lack the capacity to make these complex evaluations.
The Knowledge Hub will be a comprehensive resource that addresses key areas of concern, such as the total cost of ownership, the environmental benefits of electric trucks and the potential for government incentives to support fleet transitions. It will also highlight how ZEVs compare to conventional diesel trucks in terms of operational efficiency and overall performance.
In the short term, the Knowledge Hub will help fleets begin to consider zero-emission trucks as viable options. However, Mohamed notes that the transition to a fully decarbonized trucking industry will take decades, and this project will lay the groundwork for future, more advanced resources as the transition progresses.
“Trucking fleets across Canada are under increasing pressure due to climate change,” said Mohamed. “This new Knowledge Hub is essential to ensuring that fleets of all sizes are provided with the unbiased, evidence-based information they need to make informed, effective decisions.”
Knowledge Hub thrives on collaboration
The project has engaged with over 30 industry stakeholders, including fleet operators, truck manufacturers, municipalities, logistics providers and industry associations. These collaborations have provided valuable insights into the operational and financial realities of fleet management, helping to shape the content and functionality of the resource.
The expertise and resources at McMaster University have significantly supported the project’s success. Mohamed points to the long-standing reputations of McMaster, the Faculty of Engineering and MITL, which have helped facilitate partnerships with industry leaders.
With the backing of Natural Resources Canada and a strong foundation of academic and industry partnerships, MITL is enthusiastic about their ability to play a role in supporting Canada’s trucking industry in its transition to zero-emission vehicles and the creation of a cleaner, more sustainable future for all.
Learn more about the McMaster Institute for Transporation and Logistics