Renewable energy use

What is Renewable energy use?

Renewable energy use in road transportation is the sourcing and consumption of energy from non-fossil, replenishable sources—such as wind, solar, hydro, sustainable biofuels, biomethane, and green hydrogen—to power vehicles, depots, and supporting operations. In practice, it covers both the energy inside the vehicle (electricity, renewable diesel, RNG, hydrogen) and the electricity used at facilities for charging, refrigeration, and yard equipment.

How Renewable energy use Works in Transportation

In logistics, renewable energy use spans vehicle technology, energy procurement, and operational practices. Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) draw electricity that can be matched with certified renewable supply through power purchase agreements (PPAs), guarantees of origin, or renewable energy certificates. Depot solar and on-site batteries can further raise the share of renewable electricity and reduce peak demand.

For combustion platforms, drop-in fuels like hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO/renewable diesel) and biodiesel blends reduce lifecycle emissions without modifying most modern diesel engines, while compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks can run on biomethane/renewable natural gas (RNG). Hydrogen fuel cell trucks, emerging for heavier duty and longer routes, rely on hydrogen produced via electrolysis using renewable electricity (often called “green hydrogen”).

A robust strategy evaluates energy on a well-to-wheel basis, not just at the tailpipe. It also considers the grid mix, time-of-use charging, and book-and-claim mechanisms that match energy consumption with renewable generation. Fleet managers track metrics such as percentage of renewable energy use, gCO2e/km, kWh/100 km, renewable fuel blend ratios, and cost per kilometer to balance sustainability and total cost of ownership.

Industry Context

• Regulations and incentives: Zero-emission zones, renewable fuel standards, low-carbon fuel credits, and vehicle purchase subsidies are accelerating renewable energy use across urban delivery, regional haul, and long-haul corridors.

• Operational fit: Route length, dwell times, payload, and climate affect the optimal mix—BEVs excel in predictable, return-to-base routes; RNG and renewable diesel support existing asset platforms; hydrogen targets high-mileage, heavy loads.

• Infrastructure: Depot AC charging for overnight, DC fast charging along corridors, hydrogen refueling stations, and on-site solar plus storage all enable higher renewable penetration without compromising service levels.

• Data and verification: Certificates, smart meters, and telematics-backed reporting substantiate renewable energy claims for customers and auditors, aligning with Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions accounting.

Key Benefits/Components

• Emissions reduction: Significant cuts to CO2e and air pollutants, especially with BEVs charged on renewable electricity or with high-share renewable fuels.

• Cost resilience: Long-term PPAs and on-site generation can stabilize energy costs and reduce exposure to diesel price volatility.

• Compliance and access: Meeting fleet mandates and accessing low-emission zones while improving ESG performance.

• Operational performance: Quieter vehicles for night deliveries, improved driver comfort, and potential maintenance savings for BEVs.

Core components of a renewable strategy:

• Energy sources: Certified renewable electricity, HVO/renewable diesel, biodiesel blends, RNG/biomethane, and green hydrogen.

• Infrastructure: Depot charging (AC/DC), corridor fast charging, hydrogen stations, solar PV, battery storage, and smart chargers.

• Procurement and policy: PPAs, certificates of origin, book-and-claim accounting, and low-carbon fuel credit programs.

• Analytics: Telematics, energy management systems, and emissions dashboards to track renewable energy use and outcomes.

Real-World Example

A regional parcel carrier electrifies 40% of its return-to-base fleet and installs 400 kW of rooftop solar with a 1 MWh battery at its main depot. Smart charging aligns vehicles with midday solar and low-carbon grid hours, raising the depot’s renewable share above 80% annually. For longer routes, the carrier adopts HVO in compatible diesel tractors and transitions three CNG tractors to RNG via a certified supply contract. Refrigerated trailers switch to electric transport refrigeration units powered during dwell by depot solar. The combined approach lifts renewable energy use across the fleet and facilities, cutting well-to-wheel emissions substantially while maintaining delivery windows and service quality.

Conclusion

Renewable energy use in road transportation blends the right energy sources, infrastructure, and data to decarbonize vehicles and operations without sacrificing reliability. By pairing BEVs and smart charging with renewable electricity, leveraging low-carbon liquid and gaseous fuels, and investing in on-site generation and storage, fleets can reduce emissions, manage costs, and meet evolving regulatory and customer expectations.