California’s logging and biomass hauling sector depends almost entirely on diesel-powered heavy-duty trucks, yet it is central to forest management, wildfire risk reduction, and statewide climate objectives. As forest management activities expand, decarbonizing this sector becomes increasingly important. This project developed a Blueprint to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of deploying zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) in logging and biomass hauling applications, with a focus on Class 8 trucks operating in Northern California.
The project established baseline vehicle specifications, duty cycles, operating patterns, and cost structures through stakeholder interviews and fleet data analysis. Available and near-market technologies, including hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks (FCETs), battery-electric trucks (BETs), and natural gas engine trucks, were assessed against the operational requirements of logging and biomass hauling. The analysis considered vehicle performance, range, payload capacity, refueling or charging needs, infrastructure requirements, and comparative operating costs relative to diesel vehicles.
The evaluation found that most current Class 8 BETs lack the range and charging flexibility needed for logging operations, though some may be suitable for limited fixed-route biomass hauling. Natural gas engine trucks offer emissions reductions and fuel cost advantages but are constrained by fueling infrastructure availability in the studied region. Class 8 FCETs were identified as the most technically viable ZEV option for logging due to their range, rapid refueling capability, and ability to meet payload requirements.
Based on these findings, the final Blueprint proposes a phased pilot and demonstration project utilizing FCET logging trucks supported by on-site hydrogen production via electrolysis at a Northern California sawmill. The Blueprint outlines infrastructure needs, permitting considerations, emissions impacts, and financing approaches to inform future deployment and replication in California’s logging and other heavy-duty sectors.
