Opportunities, Challenges, and Barriers Related to Hydrogen-powered Heavy-Duty Trucks for Road Transportation

As the logistics and supply chain management sector faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact, adopting sustainable practices has become imperative. Technologies such as electric powertrains and hydrogen fuel are promising solutions. The purpose of this study is to increase our knowledge of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks (HDTs), identify research themes, and determine the lessons learnt regarding the opportunities, challenges, and barriers related to each theme. Through a semi-systematic literature review and keyword co-occurrence analysis using VOSiewer, five thematic clusters are identified: (1) automotive technologies, (2) environmental impact, (3) alternative energy sources, (4) energy storage and management, and (5) hydrogen technologies. The findings highlight significant challenges and barriers, such as the high costs of fuel cells (FCs) and hydrogen fuel and limited refuelling infrastructure. Despite these obstacles, hydrogen-powered HDTs have significant potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Managers might evaluate the long-term benefits of fuel-cell electric trucks (FCETs) and focus on training and skill development. Policymakers need to promote hydrogen demand and supply with adequate instruments, since effective collaboration on the supply chain is vital for the availability and distribution of hydrogen fuel. Future research should focus on real-life performance, durability, costs, and broader economic and social impacts to fully realise the potential of FCETs.