Hydrogen Vs. Battery EVs: Which Is The Future of Heavy Duty Transport?

The heavy-duty transport sector is in the midst of a fundamental transformation. With growing global pressure to decarbonize freight and logistics, traditional diesel-powered trucks are steadily being replaced by cleaner alternatives. At the forefront of this movement are two leading technologies battery electric vehicles(BEVs) and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles(FCEVs) . Both offer zero tailpipe emissions and a pathway to sustainable logistics but which technology will power the future of long-haul, regional, and industrial freight? The answer lies not in choosing one over the other, but in understanding the strengths and limitations of each, and where they best fit into a diversified transport ecosystem.

Battery electric trucks use large lithium-ion battery packs to power electric motors. These trucks are typically charged using grid electricity either overnight at depots or via public fast-charging infrastructure. One of the standout advantages of these is their high energy efficiency, with over 85% of electrical energy from the grid converted into motion. Additionally, electric infrastructure is already relatively widespread, making battery electric vehicles a practical choice for fleets operating on fixed routes with regular dwell time.

However, Battery electric vehicles are not without challenges. High-capacity battery packs add considerable weight to the vehicle, which can reduce payload capacity. And while advances in fast-charging technology have cut downtime, charging a heavy-duty truck can still take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours, depending on the charging power and battery size. This makes it less suitable for time-sensitive or very long-haul operations unless careful planning is in place.That is how CAMC have solved this problem by manufacturing a mobile charging station which takes about 1 hour to fully charge.

Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), on the other hand, generate electricity onboard by combining hydrogen gas with oxygen in a fuel cell, powering the motor in a similar way to BEVs. Their biggest advantage is refueling speed often 10–20 minutes, comparable to diesel. They also offer longer ranges (up to 800–1,000 km) and weigh less than battery trucks with equivalent range, preserving payload capacity. These features make hydrogen trucks an excellent solution for long-distance logistics, high-payload applications, and areas with limited charging infrastructure.

Still, hydrogen trucks face their own hurdles. Green hydrogen produced from renewable sources is expensive to generate, and infrastructure remains limited, especially outside of major freight corridors. As a result, widespread adoption of FCEVs will require significant investment in hydrogen production, storage, and fueling networks.

This is where CAMC has emerged as a decisive leader. As one of China’s earliest truck manufacturers to invest in new energy commercial vehicles, CAMC has made major strides in both battery electric and hydrogen truck technology. Over the past decade, we have developed and exported a full portfolio of zero-emission heavy-duty trucks, including, electric dump trucks, electric tractor trucks, electric concrete mixer trucks, and hydrogen powered heavy-duty trucks. CAMC electric trucks are available in a range of power configurations 282 kW, 350 kW 423 kW and 600kW to suit various transport demands from urban logistics to high-load industrial operations. Furthermore with proven performance in diverse markets, our electric models are engineered for city, regional, and on-site applications while our hydrogen powered trucks provide the extended range and quick refueling needed for long-haul and high demand operations.

Thanks to continuous innovation and close collaboration with global partners, CAMC has become one of China’s top exporters of electric trucks, with a growing presence in Southeast Asia, South America, and Central Asia. Our vehicles are already helping global fleets meet sustainability goals, reduce emissions, and cut long-term operational costs.However, technology alone isn’t enough. Whether powered by batteries or hydrogen, the environmental impact of a vehicle depends on the energy source. A battery truck charged from coal-based electricity can have a higher carbon footprint than a hydrogen truck using green hydrogen and vice versa if the hydrogen is produced using fossil fuels. For both technologies to be truly sustainable, clean energy production and grid modernization must advance in parallel.

Globally, governments and OEMs are embracing both solutions. Germany, South Korea, and China are investing heavily in hydrogen refueling infrastructure along major freight corridors, while companies like Amazon and UPS are rapidly scaling up their battery electric delivery fleets. In truth, the heavy duty transport industry isn’t heading toward a single solution but a dual-path future. For manufacturers and logistics companies alike, the key is adaptability. Modular platforms that support both battery and hydrogen powertrains allow fleet managers to tailor solutions to their unique route profiles, regulatory requirements, and energy access. Fleet electrification is no longer an experimental idea it is now a strategic imperative. And CAMC is proud to be a global partner in that transition.

As the world moves toward cleaner transportation, CAMC remains committed to engineering future ready trucks that deliver performance, reliability, and sustainability whether driven by battery or hydrogen. Our expertise in both technologies ensures our customers have the tools and support they need to lead the way in green logistics.

So, which will win battery or hydrogen? The answer is both. The smartest fleets will leverage each where it performs best and CAMC will be there, powering the road ahead.