This study explores the development and actual performance of the zero-emission truck (ZET) market in Yulin, Shaanxi Province, China, particularly for heavy-duty battery-electric and fuel cell electric trucks. Based on empirical data from real-world operations, the analysis examines the total cost of ownership (TCO) and economic benefits of using battery-electric tractor-trailers in coal transportation compared to diesel tractor-trailers.
The study also includes a comparison of different business models for battery-swap trucks, particularly those leveraging the Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model. Compared to purchasing an entire electric truck, this potentially attractive business model offers buyers flexibility by shifting a larger portion of their capital expenditures into operational expenses.
Our findings suggest that zero-emission trucks hold operational and economic promise, but challenges such as low payload remain. Innovative financing models and policy incentives for ZETs could make them more attractive to fleet operators.