Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles (MHDVs) are the backbone of the economy and one of its most difficult decarbonization challenges. They span three on-road classes, medium-duty, heavy-duty, and buses, and run five functional segments, from urban delivery and municipal service fleets to long-haul freight. Nearly all classes run on diesel or gasoline and together produce roughly 9.6% of Canada’s GHG emissions.
Due to the wide differences in weight, range, duty cycle, and return-to-base operations, there is no individual solution. Battery-electric vehicles suit most of the medium-duty, service, and return-to-base vehicles, while hydrogen fuel-cell and renewable diesel are better matched to long-haul and heavy-payload routes. To meet federal targets, Canada will require sequenced deployment, rapid charging and hydrogen build-out, and coordinated policy, supply, and cost support.
Zero-emission MHDVs still require subsidies to reach cost parity with diesel.
Very few fuel-cell model and manufacturers prioritize larger markets and do not yet cater to Canada's heavier trucks.
ZEV readiness for MHDVs lags compared to passenger vehicles, with fewer pilots and demonstrations.
Longer charging and fuelling times affect duty cycles and hours-of-service.
Stepwise expansion of low-carbon electricity and hydrogen supply and delivery infrastructure.
Low-cost, low-carbon hydrogen is not yet available.
Megawatt-class depot and corridor charging will require major grid upgrades.
The heaviest, longest routes decarbonize last, as hydrogen and megawatt charging mature.
Corridor build-out must be aligned across federal, provincial, and municipal governments and utilities.
Percentage of zero-emission sales in each market segment.
Chargers and hydrogen stations deployed.
Carbon intensity of the grid electricity or hydrogen powering MHDVs.
Electricity is cheaper than diesel and BEVs need less maintenance.
Opportunity to lead in heavy-duty vehicle innovation and early hydrogen-market development.
Battery, charger, and truck manufacturing with export potential.
Scores are grounded in the sources cited throughout each sector assessment, then reviewed by experts and industry stakeholders to confirm how each pathway elements criteria are ranked.
economic viability score
Economic Viability description
