Decarbonation: which alternative energy for your trucks?

The road freight transport sector is facing unprecedented challenges. Growing environmental regulations, the spread of Low Emission Zones (LEZs), and customer demands for more sustainable logistics are forcing hauliers to rethink the way they power their fleets. At the same time, competition is fierce, operating costs are rising, and finding the right balance between profitability and sustainability has never been more complex.

At Renault Trucks, we are convinced that decarbonisation is not an option but a necessity, for the planet, for society, and for your business competitiveness. Since 2010, we have invested massively in alternative energy solutions and have been producing electric trucks in series since 2020 at our plant in Blainville-sur-Orne, France.

But which alternative energy should you choose for your activity? Diesel, biofuels, gas, hydrogen, electricity… each comes with its own benefits and limitations. Let’s explore the options and see how Renault Trucks can support you in making the right decision.

Diesel: a technology on its way out

Still widely used today, diesel trucks offer high autonomy and established infrastructure. However, fossil-based diesel is responsible for high CO₂ emissions and will progressively disappear from the market. Regulatory pressure, rising fuel costs and the expansion of LEZs will accelerate this transition. For hauliers, relying on diesel today is a short-term solution with limited future prospects.

Biofuels: a transitional solution

Biofuels such as B100 biodiesel, HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) or synthetic fuels derived from used oils or forestry residues can reduce CO₂ emissions by 65 to 88% compared to fossil diesel. They are compatible with existing internal combustion engines, making them an accessible option for certain fleets.

Gas and biogas: will be used mainly for powerplants and marine, its role for trucks will be minor

Natural gas (CNG/LNG) reduces CO₂ emissions by only 5% compared to diesel, which is insufficient in the context of decarbonisation. Biogas, however, produced from household or agricultural waste, can cut emissions by up to 70–75%. 

Hydrogen: a solution for niche applications when green hydrogen available most likely over the next decade

Today, most available hydrogen is “grey hydrogen”, produced from fossil gas, which actually emits 14% more CO₂ than diesel. The future lies in “green hydrogen”, produced via renewable electricity-powered electrolysis. This can reduce emissions by 62% compared to fossil diesel. 

Electricity: the most mature alternative today

Electric mobility is the most advanced and competitive technology for urban and regional applications. Using decarbonised electricity, CO₂ emissions are reduced by 55% on average in Europe, and up to 80% in countries such as France. 

By 2040, around 80% of trucks are expected to be electric or hydrogen-powered. Road transport will go mainly for energy-efficient battery electric drivelines, and cover some needs with biofuels and hydrogen.

Choosing the right energy source depends on your business model, routes and operational needs. Renault Trucks experts guide you through this decision with a pragmatic approach.

• Long-haul freight (hundreds of km/day, limited refuelling opportunities): → Biofuels or, in the future, hydrogen fuel cells. Biofuels can be considered as a transition period until availability of extended range electric truck supported by opportunity charging infrstructure deployement. Hydrogen would be used only where battery electric implementation is not feasible, or locally when low-cost surplus hydrogen from other industries is available.
• Regional distribution (< 400 km/day, return to depot at night): → Battery-electric trucks, with overnight charging on industrial terminals. Urban deliveries and waste collection (city centres, LEZ, night deliveries): → 100% electric trucks – quiet, clean and already competitive.
• Heavy construction or mixed operations: → Combination of biofuels and electricity, depending on routes and site

To help you make the right choice, Renault Trucks offers calculation tools such as the Range Simulator, which can model routes, loads, weather conditions and charging needs to identify the most suitable energy.

Decarbonisation is not only about ecology; it is a regulatory and financial reality:

Decarbonising your fleet is a complex process that cannot be improvised. Renault Trucks provides full support throughout the lifecycle of your vehicles:

Our role is not only to sell vehicles but to ensure a smooth, profitable and future-proof transition for your business.

By 2040, the landscape of road freight transport will be completely transformed. Diesel will disappear, biofuels will play a niche role, and the vast majority of trucks will be powered by electricity and hydrogen.

At Renault Trucks, we have already taken this path, convinced that electromobility is the most sustainable and competitive solution for the years to come. Whatever your business size or sector, our experts are here to help you choose the right energy, adapt your fleet, and ensure your profitability during the transition.

Download our white paper on fleet decarbonisation and get a step-by-step guide to prepare your company for the future of freight.