A breakeven cost analysis framework for electric road systems

Road freight emissions form a significant part of a country's total emissions. Thus, one of the key steps for achieving net zero is to decarbonise road freight. Battery electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) require large batteries that are heavier and more expensive. This paper investigates the feasibility and impact of electrifying HGVs using electric road systems (ERS), thus reducing the need for large batteries. It is established that using the ERS reduces well-to-wheel (WTW) emissions by approximately 10%. A cost breakeven analysis was formulated to identify the locations where an ERS is economically viable in England, France, India and South Africa. The differences in these countries are observed in terms of their road freight distribution. This analysis reveals that up to 47% of the total road freight in England, 72% in France, 38% in India and 57% in South Africa could be electrified using ERS with a 20-year breakeven period.