Germany’s freight emissions system unfairly favors hydrogen over electric trucks
A new study urges immediate reforms to Germany's THG-Quote system for road freight transport. The system currently favours hydrogen fuel cell trucks over battery-electric trucks, potentially hindering the growth of the latter. The study, backed by environmental agencies and transport ministries, suggests changes to energy consumption estimates and emissions factors for electricity.
The THG-Quote system, designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, is distorting incentives. It underestimates the real-world efficiency of heavy battery-electric trucks and overestimates their emissions from electricity supply. This disparity puts battery-electric trucks at a disadvantage compared to hydrogen fuel cell trucks. The study recommends immediate adjustments to estimated annual energy consumption and emissions factors for electricity to correct this imbalance.
Long-term, the study advocates for a broader overhaul of the THG-Quote's calculation methodology. This would ensure it accurately reflects the energy efficiency benefits of battery-electric trucks, promoting fair competition and encouraging their growth.
The study highlights the need for immediate adjustments to the THG-Quote system to level the playing field for battery-electric trucks. Correcting the system's biases will support the continued growth of this sector, aligning with Germany's emission reduction goals.
