Zero-emission semi-trucks aren’t science fiction; they’re a reality that’s already transforming road transportation of goods. These trucks are designed to address the problem of greenhouse gas emissions produced by traditional heavy-duty trucks and create a cleaner, greener trucking industry.
Chief Carriers is a leader in flatbed trucking, and we’re closely following this innovative development and what it means for the trucking industry. We’ll discuss what makes a semi-truck a zero-emission truck, how they’re currently used in trucking, and the opportunities and challenges of transitioning to zero-emission truck fleets.

What Are Zero-Emission Semi-Trucks?
Zero-emission semi-trucks are a new generation of heavy-duty vehicles that produce zero tailpipe emissions. Because they don’t release harmful atmospheric pollutants like carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, they don’t contribute to climate change and air pollution. There are currently two types of zero-emission semi trucks in use that run on electricity or hydrogen and offer a cleaner alternative for freight transport.
Battery Electric Trucks
Battery electric trucks (BEVs) are similar to electric cars but on a much larger scale. The trucks run on energy stored in large battery packs and use electric motors for propulsion. They produce no emissions during operation and offer quiet and smooth performance.
- Advantages: Quieter operation, lower maintenance costs, and zero tailpipe emissions.
- Disadvantages: Limited range, longer recharging times, and higher upfront costs.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Trucks
These trucks generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen fuel and oxygen, producing only water vapor as a byproduct. Compared to BEVs, they offer longer ranges and don’t require recharging times.
- Advantages: Longer range, no recharging times, and zero tailpipe emissions.
- Disadvantages: Limited hydrogen fuel infrastructure, higher production costs, and storage challenges.

Are Ethanol Fuel Trucks Zero-Emission Trucks?
Ethanol fuel trucks, while offering reduced emissions compared to diesel, are not zero-emission vehicles because the fuel combustion generates some greenhouse gases. While ethanol fuel trucks represent an important step toward the cleaner transportation of goods, they don’t achieve the ultimate goal of eliminating emissions.
Why Zero-Emission Semi-Trucks Matter
Despite improvements in engine technology, the large-scale use of diesel trucks, including older, less efficient models, results in contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and their environmental impact. The adoption of zero-emission semi trucks reduces emissions generated by the trucking industry and offers benefits for individual owner-operators, trucking companies, and surrounding communities:
- Performance: Quieter operation, smoother acceleration, and regenerative braking capabilities.
- Economic Benefits: Lower operating costs due to reduced fuel and maintenance expenses, government incentives, tax breaks, and job creation in the clean energy sector.
- Health Benefits: Improved respiratory health for communities near transportation hubs and reduced noise pollution.
- Environmental Benefits: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions combats climate change, improves air quality, and decreases our reliance on fossil fuels.

Electric Semi-Truck Development
Several major truck manufacturers are at the forefront of zero-emission truck technology, investing heavily in research and development. These are some of the companies and the trucks they’re developing and deploying:
- Tesla Semi: A BEV with a claimed 500-mile range and advanced autonomous driving features.
- Kenworth T680E: A BEV designed for regional haul and drayage applications.
- Kenworth K270E and K370E: Medium-duty Class 6 and Class 7 trucks designed for local pickup and delivery, and short-haul applications with a range of up to 200 miles.
- Nikola Tre BEV: A Class 8 electric truck designed for shorter regional and metro-regional routes, with a range reaching up to 330 miles.
- Nikola Tre FCEV: Utilizes hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity, offering a longer range of up to 500 miles and faster refueling times than BEVs.
- Hyundai XCIENT Fuel Cell: An FCEV already in commercial operation in Europe and other regions.
- Freightliner eCascadia: A Class 8 heavy-duty electric semi-truck.
- Volvo FH Electric: A heavy-duty truck for regional and long-haul transport.
- Volvo FM Electric: Designed for regional haul and urban transport.
- Volvo FMX Electric: Built for construction and heavier-duty applications.
- Volvo VNR Electric: Specifically designed for the North American market and is used for regional haul and distribution.
The Challenges of Zero-Emission Trucks
Using zero-emission trucks offers measurable advantages for trucking companies and the communities they operate within. But like other forms of sustainable technology, transitioning to zero-emission semi-trucks faces challenges.
- Technological Challenges: The battery range, charging infrastructure, hydrogen production, recharging infrastructure, and durability of new technologies require further development.
- Economic Challenges: Higher upfront purchase costs and limited availability of models can be barriers to entry.
- Operational Challenges: Route planning, charging/refueling stops, and driver training require adjustments for trucking companies.
- Government Policies: Energy policies and government emissions regulations that favor traditional fossil fuels slow the adoption of zero-emission trucks.
On average, truck drivers drive 400-600 miles per day. The current lack of a national charging/refueling system makes zero-emission trucks unrealistic for over-the-road (OTR) driving, where drivers are paid per mile. Electric or hydrogen trucks are a more viable option for local and smaller-range regional trucking companies.
Our Position on Zero-Emission Trucking Fleets
At Chief Carriers, the transition from diesel to zero-emission semi-trucks is more than just theory–it’s a reality with a direct impact on our business and customers. Our General Manager, Andrew Winkler, shares this perspective:
“Chief Carriers is dedicated to environmental stewardship and believes the trucking industry can achieve zero emissions in Class 8 trucks. While we support the transition to cleaner technologies, some states are pushing for unrealistic timelines. The lawsuit filed by the Nebraska Trucking Association and the State of Nebraska against California’s Advanced Clean Trucks rule highlights the need for a balanced, collaborative approach that considers the challenges facing trucking companies and promotes practical solutions.
“Some of the challenges associated with transitioning to zero-emission trucks include the high cost of new vehicles, limited charging infrastructure, and concerns about range and payload capacity. If Chief Carriers were to switch to an all-electric fleet, we would need to nearly double the size of our fleet to move the same amount of freight we do today with diesel engines.”

Looking Into the Future of Sustainable Trucking
It’s clear that the widespread adoption of zero-emission semi-trucks will require the right balance of government regulations, corporate sustainability goals, and technological advancements to overcome current challenges. As trucking evolves in response to calls for sustainability across multiple industries, Chief Carriers will continue delivering the excellent service our partners rely on.
To follow the topic of zero emissions and other issues affecting the trucking world, listen to our trucking podcast for industry updates, driver tips, and stories from truckers on the road.