The report “Delivering Affordability: The Emerging Cost Advantage of Battery Electric Heavy-Duty Trucks and U.S. Policy Strategies to Unlock Their Full Economic Potential” by Energy Innovation and ICCT concludes that battery electric HDVs are approaching broad cost superiority, with modeled results showing net TCO savings over diesel by 2030 and thousands to tens of thousands of dollars in five-year TCO savings compared to diesel by 2035. While hydrogen fuel cell trucks may serve niche roles, battery electric HDVs are expected to be the preferred choice for most applications due to their lower capital, fuel, and maintenance costs.
Ongoing advancements in battery range, charging speed, and energy density are poised to sustain—and even enhance—battery electric vehicles’ competitive advantage over hydrogen FC trucks. With rising manufacturing investment and proven technology leadership, the U.S. is well positioned to compete globally in battery electric vehicle markets and capitalize on affordability gains at home.
But U.S. deployment still lags. Without a robust domestic market, the U.S. risks losing ground—even as battery factories open at record pace. Strategic, coordinated policy is the missing piece. Well-designed incentives, smart regulatory frameworks, and targeted infrastructure support can accelerate cost reductions and ensure modeled savings become real-world outcomes. If implemented effectively, these actions can reduce freight costs, improve fleet economics, ease cost pressures for American households, and strengthen the nation’s competitive position in global transportation markets.
Access the report here
