IRU analyses truck powertrain cost of ownership
Which truck powertrain has the lowest total cost of ownership (TCO)? Which one reduces CO₂ emissions the most? And what determines the TCO?
The International Road Transport Union (IRU) has carried out an analysis for five different types of powertrains – diesel, gas, BEV, HVO and FCEV – across the five biggest EU road freight countries – France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain – in its latest Intelligence Briefing.
For the analysis, the IRU used its own proprietary Alternative Fuels and Efficiency Model and factored in various variables such as inflation rates, tolls and incentives.
The IRU Intelligence Briefing also looks into aspects such as the operational expenditure (OpEx) and capital expenditure (CapEx) of different powertrains in each of the five countries.
The IRU also says this Intelligence Briefing evaluates the total cost of ownership (TCO), as well as CO₂ emissions, for an articulated vehicle (a road tractor towing a semi-trailer) during its first six years of operation.
It considers various factors affecting TCO and emissions, including vehicle prices, subsidies, residual values, insurance, interest rates, energy consumption and costs, maintenance, and tolls, all indexed to inflation.
The geographical scope of this Intelligence Briefing encompasses the five biggest EU road freight countries (France, Germany, Poland, Spain and Italy), which are also the five biggest in terms of alternative fuel vehicle registrations.
The CO₂ emissions analysis used a well‑to‑wheel perspective, considering the carbon intensity of different energy sources in each of the five countries.
So, which powertrain has the lowest TCO, and which one reduces CO₂ emissions the most? The short answer: It depends on the country.
The Intelligence Briefing is available to purchase through the IRU website.