Comparative analysis of Total Cost of Ownership for H2-ICE, H2-Fuel Cell and Battery Drivetrain technologies: Study on Finnish heavy-duty road transport

Abstract Climate change is a critical global phenomenon that is developing in several local environment emergencies in recent years. Thanks to an increased sensibility and concern regarding this subject, we are witnessing the adoption of different strategies and goals for the reduction of emissions and mitigation of environmental impact. The road transport sector is one of the major contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as it is still largely reliant on traditional powertrains solutions. While some progresses have been observed in the passenger car sector, heavy-duty transport remains mainly founded on diesel internal combustion engines. This Master of Science thesis aims to evaluate and compare from economic perspective three possible solutions for the decarbonization of heavy-duty freight transport: • Battery electric trucks • Fuel cell electric trucks • Hydrogen fueled internal combustion engine trucks The analysis is based on the Total Cost of Ownership method, that allows to consider cost elements of the vehicles throughout their entire usage period. Consequently, various cost components will be evaluated, regarding both initial expenses (CAPEX) and operational costs (OPEX); for each of these elements, a detailed description of the methodology used for its estimation is provided, as well as a final quantitative assumption, based on the current economic scenario. The background of this study is the Finnish market and road network: indeed, high competitiveness of Finnish electricity market, as well as its geographical characteristics, create a very favorable environment for the development of alternative powertrain vehicles. Today and probably in the next future, it is one the countries with greatest potential to make these trucks economically competitive with traditional ones. The objectives of this thesis are twofold: • Suggest the most suitable solution for heavy-duty truck powertrain choice, according to the specific needs of industries or transport companies: to ensure the most comprehensive analysis, different case studies have been considered, with several sensitivity analysis regarding possible changes in the assumed parameters • Provide readers with a methodology for the definition of the Total Cost of Ownership of vehicles with alternative powertrains, giving the possibility of adapting this study to other specific needs, with minor modifications