Techno-economic analysis of bio gas and hydrogen operated heavy duty vehicles

Abstract

Due to rising environmental awareness and improved renewable energy sources, biogas and hydrogen fuel applications in heavy-duty transport vehicles (HDVs) are increasingly being considered. The main objective of this study is to extend the analysis of the total cost per kilometre of the vehicle using biogas and hydrogen fuel and to compare the results with those of diesel vehicles. The total cost per kilometre is further analyzed with the help of the total distance covered by the vehicle in a year, the fuel consumption, and the number of hydrogen and biogas refuelling stations along the route, and comparing it with diesel-powered vehicles to provide data to support the choice of a more sustainable transport solution. The results show that diesel vehicles have the lowest total cost of ownership (TCO) per kilometre at €1.24, while biogas vehicles, especially liquefied biogas (LBG), offer a promising alternative with a TCO of €3.73/km. Hydrogen-powered vehicles showed the highest costs, with 350 bar systems reaching €9.17/km due to fuel and infrastructure costs. Sensitivity analysis revealed that improvements in fuel efficiency and reductions in station construction costs could impact hydrogen’s competitiveness. The findings suggest that while hydrogen requires further development and investment, biogas is currently the most cost-effective sustainable fuel option for HDVs.