A strategy to get to zero-emission road freight worldwide

How does the world get its goods, and how are more and more consumers getting packages arriving at their doorstep? Most often it is from a truck – from a heavy-duty or long-haul truck taking goods across long distances through smaller delivery vans. These same trucks emit many pollutants – not just CO2 with detrimental climate impacts, but also particulate matter (and NOx), which affect the health of all who are nearby, including vulnerable communities. Road freight emissions make up 30% (today) to 35% (in 2050) of transportation CO2 emissions, each year 180,000 people die from the effects of pollution from on-road diesel vehicles, and freight activity is predicted to triple globally by 2050.

To bring more attention to, and decarbonize freight, Hovland Consulting supported the Hewlett Foundation to develop a strategy to get the world to zero-emission road freight (trucks). From the fall of 2019 to early 2020, Hovland Consulting performed research, interviews, and surveys; held convenings; and worked with a funder affinity group throughout the process to create the Hewlett strategy. We explored a global approach, as well as how that translated in the United States, Europe, China, and India. Over 85 people provided input to the strategy.

The good news is that more truck models of all types are coming, total cost of ownership is attractive for many segments, costs continue to drop, policies are moving, and many fleets and governments are proving zero-emission trucks (usually battery electric trucks) can work – from Shenzhen (China) to Delhi (India) to Los Angeles (California, US) to London (UK, Europe).

Please see here for the strategy for 2020-2025, which describes why we must address road freight now; the theory of change to a) Accelerate zero emission trucks, b) Deploy charging & zero emission fuels, and c) Broaden and deepen support; and how the strategy translates in China, Europe, the US, and India, supported by cross-regional efforts. Other aspects cover funding needs and monitoring.

The report appendix (A) also includes lessons from a passenger vehicle electrification evaluation, including what we learned on the what, where, and how to pursue actions, as well as region-specific ideas.

Convening run by Hovland Consulting to discuss zero emission road freight