Future heavy truck propulsion system solutions including their impact on total cost of ownership

Abstract

This paper focuses on the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) impact of several propulsion system solutions applied to a heavy-duty long-haul truck for the European market sector, in 2020 and predictions for 2035. The research performed by Ricardo investigated Internal Combustion Engine propulsion systems with fossil and renewable fuels, but also a range of in-use zero-emission electric solutions. Battery Electric Vehicles and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles, either as a prime move or range extender, were considered. A dedicated energy to motion transformation system, namely an Electric Drive Unit, was developed for Electrified Vehicles (xEVs), with high efficiency as the prime objective. A virtual product development process is described, which was applied to define the propulsion systems and to evaluate the vehicle energy consumption over a typical 24h mission profile, by means of system simulations. A presentation of the TCO model that was generated to compare the different propulsion system solutions in terms of €/(100km.t) is given, along with the assumptions it is based on. Results from the development of the Electric Drive Unit are provided and, suggestions are made for potential further work following this study.