Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from road freight have grown with population and the economy. Heavy-duty vehicles emitted 21 million tonnes of CO2e (megatonnes [Mt]) in 1990, 49 Mt in 2005, and 63 Mt in 2015. A 30 per cent reduction means 34 Mt in 2030.

Disruptive Technologies in Heavy-Duty Road Freight: Taking Us Further Down the Road examines the role that disruptive technologies for road freight might play in meeting Canada’s commitment to reduce GHG emissions to 30 per cent below their 2005 level by 2030. Disruptive technologies are those that are emerging and expected to become commercially available during the outlook period, or that are commercially available but not broadly used.

The report combines a literature survey, expert interviews, and modelling to measure the potential GHG reductions achievable through both conventional and disruptive technologies. The primary focus is on heavy-duty trucks in long-distance transport, although medium- and light-duty freight trucks are also considered.

Executive Summary

Taking Us Further Down the Road: Disruptive Technologies in Heavy-Duty Road Freight

• Introduction
• The Role of Conventional Technologies
• Disruptive Technologiesm
• Scenarios and Modelling Approach
• Findings
• Conclusions

Appendix A Interview Summary

• Introduction
• Factors Influencing the Adoption of New Technologies
• Vehicle Electrification
• Tractor-Trailer Improvements

Appendix B—List of Interviewees

Appendix C—Literature Summary

• Road Freight Fuel and GHG Reduction Technologies
• Engine Improvements
• Drive Train
• Auxiliary Loads
• Vehicle and Truck Stop Electrification
• Tractor-Trailer Improvements
• Light Weighting
• Driver Behaviour
• Fleet Management
• Disruptive Technology
• Implementation Issues

Appendix D—Model Description

Appendix E—Bibliography