Are Hydrogen Trucks the Future of the Trucking Industry in Canada?

The trucking industry is the backbone of Canada’s economy. From coast to coast, trucks move nearly 90% of all consumer goods and food, making freight transport essential to everyday life. With growing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet net-zero goals, the industry is facing a pivotal question: what powers the future of trucking?

For many, the answer may be hydrogen fuel-cell trucks.

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Why Hydrogen?

Hydrogen trucks are powered by fuel cells that convert hydrogen gas into electricity, emitting only water vapor. Unlike diesel, hydrogen produces zero tailpipe emissions and offers a driving experience similar to conventional trucks—with quick refueling times and long ranges.

For Canada, where trucking often involves long hauls across vast and remote regions, hydrogen has distinct advantages over battery-electric trucks:

• Faster Refueling: A hydrogen truck can refuel in about 15–20 minutes, compared to hours for electric charging.
• Longer Range: Hydrogen trucks can travel up to 700–1,000 km on a single tank, ideal for routes spanning across provinces.
• Cold Weather Performance: Unlike batteries, hydrogen fuel cells are less impacted by Canada’s harsh winters.

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Challenges Ahead

While hydrogen trucking is promising, adoption faces hurdles:

• Infrastructure: Canada has only a handful of hydrogen fueling stations, mostly in British Columbia and Quebec. Widespread adoption requires a national fueling network.
• High Costs: Hydrogen trucks are still more expensive than diesel, though costs are expected to fall as technology scales.
• Hydrogen Production: Most hydrogen today is produced using fossil fuels. To be truly green, Canada needs investment in green hydrogen made from renewable energy.

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The Role of Government and Industry

The Canadian government has committed to a net-zero emissions target by 2050, and hydrogen is a cornerstone of that plan. Programs like the Hydrogen Strategy for Canada and provincial initiatives in Alberta, Ontario, and BC are supporting pilot projects for hydrogen trucking. Industry leaders are also stepping up and pilot projects with major fleets are already underway.

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Looking Ahead

Are hydrogen trucks the future of trucking in Canada? The answer seems to be yes—but not overnight.

Over the next decade, we’re likely to see hydrogen play a growing role, especially in heavy-duty, long-haul trucking where battery-electric solutions fall short. For regional and urban delivery, electric trucks may still dominate.

The future may not be hydrogen or electric, but rather a blend of technologies tailored to Canada’s diverse transport needs.

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Hydrogen trucks are not yet mainstream, but momentum is building. With government support, private investment, and advances in fueling infrastructure, hydrogen could transform Canadian trucking—making it cleaner, more sustainable, and ready for the road ahead.

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Looking to grow your fleet? Reach out to the Truckker team today to speak with our recruitment team!

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