Environment-economic comparison of potential alternative fuel heavy-duty trucks in China

Heavy-duty trucks, as important players in pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, need to undertake critical responsibility in road freight. By estimating the well-to-wheel emissions and total cost of ownership for internal combustion engine heavy-duty trucks, this study proposes the model of carbon-abatement benefit to conducting an environment-economic comparison of traditional diesel and potential alternative fuel. The results show that liquefied natural gas has better economic performance, with a cost 14.9% lower than diesel, and biodiesel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by more than 40% compared to diesel. Compared to other alternative fuels, liquefied natural gas has better carbon reduction benefits, with a carbon abatement value of 0.51 CNY/km. By 2040, all alternative fuels have positive carbon abatement values, ranging from 0.26 to 1.28 CNY/km. The progress of replacing diesel by alternative fuels for heavy duty trucks depending on the incentive policies, the clean production of fuels, and the competition from electric trucks.