Fact Check: Hydrogen trucks are now considered a relic of the past in logistics.

Fact Check: "Hydrogen trucks are now considered a relic of the past in logistics."

What We Know

The claim that hydrogen trucks are considered a relic of the past in logistics is contradicted by several ongoing developments in the industry. Hydrogen currently plays a significant role in the European Union's energy strategy, with plans to increase its use in various sectors, including logistics. In 2022, hydrogen accounted for less than 2% of Europe’s energy consumption, primarily utilized for producing chemical products. However, the EU aims to produce and import 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen by 2030, with a vision for it to cover around 10% of the EU's energy needs by 2050 (source).

Moreover, the BMW Group is actively testing hydrogen trucks as part of the H2Haul project, which aims to evaluate the performance of hydrogen fuel cell trucks in real-world logistics operations. This project includes partnerships with major companies like Iveco and DHL, indicating a commitment to integrating hydrogen technology into logistics (source). The pilot operations are designed to assess the viability of hydrogen trucks in reducing emissions in heavy-duty transport, showcasing that hydrogen technology is still very much in the experimental and developmental phases within logistics (source).

Analysis

The assertion that hydrogen trucks are "relics of the past" fails to consider the current investments and pilot projects underway in the hydrogen sector. The European Union's hydrogen policy framework, which includes binding targets for renewable hydrogen in industry and transport, demonstrates a clear commitment to advancing hydrogen technology (source). The H2Haul project, involving the BMW Group and other stakeholders, is a practical example of how hydrogen trucks are being tested and developed for future logistics applications (source).

While it is true that hydrogen currently represents a small fraction of energy consumption, the strategic initiatives by the EU and companies like BMW suggest that hydrogen is being positioned as a key player in the transition to sustainable logistics. The projected growth of the hydrogen trucks market in North America, with an estimated CAGR of 44.6% from 2025 to 2034, further supports the idea that hydrogen trucks are not relics but are instead on the cusp of significant growth (source, source).

In evaluating the sources, the information from the European Commission and the BMW Group is credible, as they are authoritative bodies involved in energy policy and automotive innovation, respectively. The ongoing projects and investments indicate a forward-looking approach rather than a retreat from hydrogen technology.

Conclusion

Verdict: False
The claim that hydrogen trucks are considered a relic of the past is inaccurate. Current initiatives, including substantial investments and pilot projects, demonstrate that hydrogen trucks are being actively developed and tested in logistics. The strategic focus of the EU on hydrogen as a key component of its energy transition further contradicts the notion that hydrogen technology is outdated.

Fact Check: Hydrogen trucks are now considered a relic of the past in logistics.