BREAKING: Clean Freight Coalition Releases Landmark Study on Cost of Supply Chain Electrification
Washington, D.C. – The Clean Freight Coalition (CFC), including founding member National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC), disclosed the results of a significant study conducted by Roland Berger during a virtual press conference on Tuesday, March 19. This study delves into the substantial costs linked with electrifying the supply chain for trucking fleets and utilities.
The report suggests that the full electrification of the U.S. commercial truck fleet could demand nearly $1 trillion in infrastructure investment alone. This figure highlights a major investment gap as state and federal policymakers push for higher adoption rates of battery-electric commercial vehicles. The study, which outlines a feasible infrastructure blueprint for electrifying medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles, positions the CFC at the forefront of sustainable transportation advocacy.
"The eye-opening report released today by Roland Berger on forecasting a realistic electric infrastructure across our nation to support the trucking industry reinforces the tank truck industry’s concerns on the current aggressive and unrealistic regulatory approach to zero emissions," stated Ryan Streblow, National Tank Truck Carriers, President & CEO. "We will continue to face major electrification concerns in the tank truck industry - excess weight, limited range, and safety. The Roland Berger data is a clear indication our legislators and regulators need to work with the trucking industry to effectively develop and deploy a sustainable long-term solution."
Key findings from the report include:
- The trucking industry could face utility and infrastructure costs of over $620 billion to prepare the current commercial vehicle fleet for electrification. This includes expenses for specialized chargers, electric service, and facility upgrades.
- Utility companies and the government will need to invest $370 billion to upgrade their networks and the power grid to accommodate the demands of commercial vehicles.
- The projected expenditure of nearly $1 trillion does not consider the cost of new battery-electric trucks, which can be 2-3 times pricier than their diesel-powered counterparts.
The CFC stresses the need for policymakers to address these cost concerns and infrastructure challenges to ensure the seamless operation of an electrified supply chain for the American economy. While the heavy-duty segment faces economic and operational constraints that make full electrification currently unrealistic, the study proposes that improved battery range and charging infrastructure could pave the way for the electrification of medium-duty trucks.
“This study thoroughly examines the issues surrounding infrastructure buildout necessary to electrify commercial vehicles, and clearly shows how the heavy-duty vehicle industry’s needs are vastly different not just from other sectors of our economy, but from each other,” CFC Executive Director Jim Mullen said. “I want to thank the team at Roland Berger for so clearly outlining the challenges electrifying our supply chain poses as the industry and nation continue working toward our shared goal of reducing trucking’s impact on the environment.”
Click here for more information on the Roland Berger study.
About the Clean Freight Coalition
The Clean Freight Coalition is an alliance of transportation stakeholders committed to a clean energy future for America’s commercial vehicle industry. Participating associations span motor carriers of every size and sector, truck dealers, truck stop operators and bus industry. Learn more at www.cleanfreightcoalition.org.
