Green trucks: types, features and benefits

Green trucks are heavy vehicles that reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions compared with a conventional diesel truck, thanks to technologies such as electric propulsion, hydrogen fuel cells, natural gas or biofuels. They are one of the central levers for decarbonising freight transport.

For a logistics company, the type of truck directly influences its scope 1 emissions and its carbon footprint.

Types of green truck

There is no single green truck: the best option depends on the range needed, the load, the route and the available charging or refuelling infrastructure.

Electric trucks

They run on batteries that store electrical energy and operate with no tailpipe emissions, which makes them ideal for urban and last-mile delivery. Their real climate impact depends on the source of the electricity: it is minimal if they are charged with renewable energy.

• Advantages: zero direct emissions, quiet operation and free access to low-emission zones.
• Disadvantages: more limited range, heavier batteries and a heavy-vehicle charging network that is still developing.

Hydrogen trucks

They use a fuel cell that generates electricity from hydrogen and emit only water vapour. Their real footprint depends on the hydrogen being renewable (green hydrogen).

• Advantages: zero direct emissions, long range and fast refuelling, similar to diesel.
• Disadvantages: high cost and a hydrogen refuelling network that is still very sparse.

Natural gas trucks (CNG and LNG)

They use compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG). They cut local pollutant emissions and noise compared with diesel, and their climate advantage grows if they run on biomethane (renewable gas).

• Advantages: lower local pollution, mature technology and good range, especially LNG for long distances.
• Disadvantages: they are still fossil fuels unless renewable, and methane leaks need to be controlled.

Biofuel trucks

They can run on biodiesel or on renewable diesel (HVO), which is used in many current engines with hardly any modification. They reduce net CO₂ emissions because they come from biomass.

• Advantages: they make use of the existing fleet and refuelling network and lower the footprint without changing vehicle.
• Disadvantages: variable availability and price, and sustainability depends on the origin of the feedstock.

Hybrid trucks

They combine a combustion engine with an electric motor, which reduces consumption and emissions, especially in the city.

• Advantages: lower fuel consumption and emissions than an equivalent diesel, without depending entirely on the charging network.
• Disadvantages: they do not eliminate emissions, and the dual powertrain adds mechanical complexity.

Comparison of green trucks

Features and benefits of green trucks

Beyond cutting emissions, these vehicles bring operational and strategic advantages:

• Lower carbon footprint: they support the company's carbon footprint reduction and its decarbonisation strategy.
• Cost savings: the lower cost of energy compared with diesel reduces the cost per kilometre over the long term.
• Access to low-emission zones: zero-emission vehicles enter urban low-emission zones without restrictions.
• Regulatory compliance: they make it easier to adapt to the EU's CO₂ regulation for heavy-duty vehicles and to Spain's Sustainable Mobility Act.
• Incentives: in Spain there are grants for buying low-emission vehicles and for charging infrastructure.

What to consider when choosing a green truck?

• Cost-benefit analysis: weigh up not only the purchase price but operating costs, maintenance and the grants available.
• Infrastructure: check the availability of charging or refuelling on regular routes and the option of installing your own points.
• Route and load type: electric fits urban distribution; hydrogen, gas or HVO suit long distance.
• Calculation framework: measure transport emissions with standards such as the GLEC Framework to compare options with data.

You can go deeper into how trucks can reduce CO2 emissions and the emerging technologies for decarbonising transport.

Frequently asked questions

Which green truck pollutes the least?

At the tailpipe, electric and hydrogen trucks emit nothing. Their real climate impact depends on the electricity or hydrogen being renewable.

Are green trucks cost-effective?

The purchase price is usually higher, but the lower cost of energy, the grants and access to low-emission zones improve profitability over the vehicle's life.

Do biofuels count as a green truck?

Yes, to the extent that they reduce net CO₂ emissions compared with fossil diesel, although the benefit depends on the sustainable origin of the feedstock.

To measure the real impact of your fleet and compare alternatives with data, Manglai's service footprint solution calculates the emissions of your transport and logistics in line with industry standards.