Battery electric (BEV)
- Ready for: distribution, shuttle haulage, plannable long-haul routes up to ~450 km/day with depot charging.
- Energy: ~110–120 kWh/100 km at 40 t · depot 20–28 ct/kWh · public 38–60 ct.
- Limits: 1.5–2 t less payload (+2 t GVW permitted), winter −20%, MCS network under construction, residual value unknown, check for an HV workshop in range before ordering.
- Tolls: €0 until 30 June 2031.
Hydrogen (FCEV / H₂ combustion engine)
- Ready for: long-haul from 600 km/day without return to depot, heavy haulage, regions with a supply contract (Düsseldorf, Rhine-Neckar).
- Energy: ~8–9 kg/100 km at 40 t · public approx. €12.85/kg (April 2026) · hylane/H2 Mobility contract ~€8/kg net since January 2026.
- Vehicles: Mercedes NextGenH2 (liquid H₂, over 1,000 km, small series of 100 units from late 2026), MAN hTGX (H₂ combustion engine, ~600 km), Hyundai Xcient FC (~400 km), Iveco S-eWay FC. Prices estimated at €400–600k, mostly leased.
- Limits: sparse filling-station network, price above diesel without a contract, small series, residual value unclear.
- Tolls: €0 until 2031; the H₂ combustion engine also counts as zero-emission.
E-trailers / electric trailers
- Ready for: existing fleets with diesel tractor units (interim step) and e-trucks in long-haul (range boost).
- Technology: Krone eTrailer / Trailer Dynamics: e-axle, 300/450/600 kWh, self-contained via kingpin sensors, works with any tractor unit. Refrigerated trailers: the e-axle powers the cooling unit instead of a diesel unit (2–4 l/h).
- Effect: behind diesel −40% fuel on average (DB Schenker 24–55%, BMW Logistics 48%); behind a BEV +300–500 km.
- The maths: estimated premium of €90–140k over a standard trailer; the diesel combination remains subject to tolls. Pays off from ~100,000 km/year if the trailer stays permanently coupled to the same tractor.
- Limits: the trailer must charge overnight, weight +1.5–2 t, trailer pooling difficult.
Technology comparison
The table above calculates diesel, diesel + e-trailer, e-truck, e-truck + e-trailer and hydrogen on the standard profile as cost per kilometre over the holding period – including purchase and residual value. Enter your own values in the TCO calculator.
.svg){kind=logo}