The future of heavy-duty freight transport is at an inflection point, however, the road to sustainability is not a straight line. The North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) has addressed this reality with its pivotal whitepaper titled “Navigating the Messy Middle,” a crucial document for fleets seeking decarbonization without sacrificing operational efficiency.
What is the “Messy Middle”?
NACFE uses this term to describe the transitional period the industry is currently experiencing. It is the stage between the past dominated by diesel and the probable future of zero emissions. In this “middle,” no single fuel or power solution has emerged as the universal answer. Instead, fleets are faced with a “smorgasbord” of technological options—a situation that may seem overwhelming but is, in fact, an opportunity.
Multiple Options, Specific Solutions
The report highlights that fleets must evaluate a variety of powertrain solutions, including:
- Advanced Diesel
- Natural Gas (especially Renewable Natural Gas – RNG)
- Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV)
- Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV)
NACFE’s core message is clear: there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Success in the Messy Middle lies in matching the right powertrain to the right application.
Real-World Data: The “Run on Less” Initiative
To support its framework, NACFE is conducting its real-world demonstration: “Run on Less – Messy Middle.” This effort is collecting data from 13 fleets, testing the performance of the four main technologies under real-world freight movement conditions.
Preliminary results are already yielding valuable insights:
- Diesel Efficiency: Diesel trucks are demonstrating impressive efficiencies, consistently exceeding 10 miles per gallon (MPG), with some routes even topping 12 MPG.
- Natural Gas Capability: Natural gas trucks are proving to have the torque and power of diesel, successfully handling heavy loads and pulling doubles or triples.
- BEV Range: Electric trucks are demonstrating increasing viability, with some units traveling over 435 miles (approx. 700 km) on a single charge.
Your Decision-Making Framework
The NACFE whitepaper not only defines the problem but also provides fleets with a decision-making framework to navigate this complexity. This framework encourages companies to analyze critical factors such as:
- Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
- Fueling/Charging Infrastructure (Availability)
- Reliability and Maintenance
- Emissions Goals
At a time when regulatory pressure and the need to reduce carbon footprint are unavoidable, information and data analysis are your most valuable assets. Reviewing NACFE’s work is essential to gaining the tools needed to make smart investment decisions and lead the transition to a more sustainable and efficient transportation future.
Ready to Decarbonize Your Fleet?
Don’t get lost in the “Messy Middle.” Contact the STT consulting team today to build a data-driven strategy for selecting the right powertrain technology and infrastructure for your specific long-haul operations.
