Hydrogen Trucks vs Electric Trucks - Difference, Pros and Cons

India has made many efforts in the past few years to promote eco-friendly and sustainable mobility with government schemes such as FAME - I & II. Under these schemes, the government is incentivising vehicle manufacturers and consumers to choose electric vehicles which are more environmentally friendly.

Both hydrogen and electric technologies are safer alternatives to the traditional fuel system to power a truck. The detailed comparison of hydrogen trucks vs electric trucks is discussed in this article including their difference, pros and cons. Additionally, a list of the best electric and hydrogen trucks to buy in India is also provided.

Introduction of Hydrogen and Electric Trucks

Electric Trucks are powered by large-capacity batteries. Electric trucks offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional diesel powered trucks. The benefits of electric trucks include zero emissions, low maintenance cost and less noise.

In India, electric trucks such as Tata Ace EV and Mahindra Treo Zor have become popular among customers. With the growing demand, manufacturers are also integrating modern technology for making these trucks.

Hydrogen Trucks use Hydrogen as a fuel. They work by converting the chemical energy of Hydrogen to mechanical power, which in turn powers the vehicle. The use of Hydrogen as a fuel is very safe and environment friendly because zero harmful emissions are produced during the conversion.

Hydrogen-powered trucks are very expensive to manufacture because of the relatively expensive cost of Hydrogen fuel cells and the availability of Hydrogen. A detailed comparison of hydrogen trucks vs electric trucks is discussed below.

Also Read- Bharat Benz vs Ashok Leyland Bus - Which is Better

Difference between Hydrogen and Electric truck

The detailed difference between hydrogen and electric trucks is discussed below.

How Electric Trucks Work

Electric trucks come in different types which have different workings. The most common types of electric trucks are detailed below.

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV)

The BEVs are the most common and most efficient type of electric trucks. These trucks are directly powered by the battery. The battery is charged by using an AC supply. The most common trucks under this category are last-mile mobility trucks. BEVs are efficient for short-distance and light-duty applications.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV)

Hybrid electric trucks work by using a combination of electric battery and internal combustion engine (ICE). The ICE can power the truck and it can also charge the battery. The battery is used to power the truck at low speeds or when idle. These trucks are less efficient compared to BEVs.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV)

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles use both ICE and electric battery to power the truck. The battery can be charged in this category hence the name Plugin Hybrid. The battery in this category can power the truck for long distances.

How Hydrogen Trucks Work

The Hydrogen trucks also have different types and workings which are explained below.

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV)

This is the common method to power a truck using Hydrogen. The chemical energy of Hydrogen Fuel Cells is converted into electric energy which powers the motor that drives the truck. These types of trucks have a long driving range.

Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Vehicle (HICEV)

Another method to use Hydrogen as a fuel to power a truck is with the combination of ICE. This type is just a modified method of the traditional fuel-powered trucks. Hydrogen is burned in ICE which powers the trucks. No harmful carbon emissions are emitted and the only byproduct produced is water in this method.

The working is the major difference in a comparison of hydrogen trucks vs electric trucks. Aside from that the comparison can also be made using the pros and cons of both trucks which are given below.

Pros and Cons of Electric and Hydrogen Trucks

Electric trucks pros:

• Higher torque
• Zero emissions thus more eco-friendly
• Better savings and profits
• Low costs of maintenance
• Less noisy

Electric trucks cons:

• High initial costs
• Longer charging time
• Limited driving range

Hydrogen trucks pros:

• Zero Emissions
• Regenerative braking
• Quicker refuelling
• High efficiency

Hydrogen trucks cons:

• Expensive infrastructure costs
• Challenging to produce

These are the pros and cons for the comparison of hydrogen trucks vs electric trucks.

Hydrogen Trucks vs Electric Trucks - Which Are Better?

In the comparison of Hydrogen trucks vs electric trucks, electric trucks have more advantages. As mentioned in the cons, Hydrogen is very costly and difficult to produce fuel. The technology to power heavy-duty trucks using Hydrogen is still in early development.

On the other hand, electric trucks have become more and more efficient over the last few years. The costs of manufacturing electric vehicles remain inexpensive compared to Hydrogen. Also, electric trucks are far more convenient and easy to maintain.

Thus electric battery technology is better for power trucks as of right now which may change in the future.

Best Electric and Hydrogen Trucks to Buy in India

Some of the best electric trucks to buy in India are:

• Tata Ultra E.9
• Tata Prima E.28K
• Mahindra Treo Zor Grand
• Ashok Leyland BOSS 1218 HB EV

Also Read- Best 5 Electric Trucks in India - Specifications and Latest Price

Some of the best Hydrogen powered trucks to buy in India are:

• Tata Prima H.55S
• Eicher Pro 3015 Fuel Cell
• Ashok Leyland 4125 HN

Conclusion

This concludes our comparison of hydrogen trucks vs electric trucks. Both are eco-friendly and sustainable solutions to power a truck. Trucks under both of these categories can be purchased through cmv360 in a simple and seamless process. Additionally, the latest prices and specifications of electric and hydrogen trucks are also freely accessible.