About this Report

This detailed report by Transition Accelerator and CESAR explores the readiness and suitability of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles for heavy-duty applications in Canada. It evaluates HFCE trucks and buses against key operational performance metrics such as power, torque, range, weight, reliability, safety, emissions, and costs compared to diesel internal combustion engines. The report reviews global demonstration projects, market deployments, and policy frameworks across North America, Europe, China, Japan, and Canada. It provides strategic insights and actionable recommendations to overcome barriers like high upfront costs, fueling infrastructure gaps, regulatory challenges, and the need for coordinated stakeholder collaboration. This report is essential for policymakers, fleet operators, manufacturers, and investors aiming to accelerate zero-emission freight solutions in Canada’s heavy vehicle sector.

What you will find inside the report:

• In-depth assessment of HFCE heavy-duty vehicle operational performance, including power, range, vehicle weight, cold weather reliability, and safety considerations
• Comprehensive cost analysis covering asset purchase price, maintenance, energy costs, and total cost of ownership compared to diesel trucks
• Review of fueling infrastructure requirements, challenges, and ongoing efforts to develop hydrogen fueling networks for HDVs
• Overview of global HFCE HDV deployment status with detailed case studies from the United States, Europe, China, Japan, and early Canadian projects
• Strategic recommendations focused on technology demonstration, regulatory alignment, cost reduction, demand scaling, and cross-sector collaboration to support Canadian HFCE HDV adoption