Hydrogen Trucks Match Diesel Speed in New Logistics Study
Logistics operators can rely on hydrogen fuel cell trucks for delivery and refuelling times that mirror standard diesel performance.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Transportation
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Fujitsu, Toyota Motor Europe, Virya Energy, and WaterstofNet successfully completed a hydrogen logistics simulation on the Flemish road network. The project evaluated hydrogen fuel cell trucks using digital twin technology to assess their viability against battery-electric and diesel alternatives for low-emission logistics.
Why it matters
The simulation addresses key operational concerns for logistics operators by proving that hydrogen fuel cell trucks can match diesel vehicles for delivery and refuelling efficiency. These findings provide a data-driven basis for firms to evaluate hydrogen's role in future low-emission fleet transitions.
The simulation confirmed that hydrogen-powered trucks achieve delivery and refuelling speeds consistent with diesel benchmarks. While tailpipe emissions reached zero, the study did not quantify the total infrastructure investment required to scale these operations across the network.
The players
Fujitsu
A global technology conglomerate specializing in digital twin simulations and IT infrastructure services.
Toyota Motor Europe
The European arm of the global automotive manufacturer, focusing on hybrid and hydrogen-based commercial transport solutions.
Virya Energy
A Belgian energy company dedicated to developing and operating renewable energy production and storage projects.
WaterstofNet
A collaborative industry group facilitating hydrogen technology development and large-scale industrial project implementation.
The details
Using Fujitsu's digital twin technology, the partners created a virtual model of the Flemish road network to test truck performance under varied transport conditions. By simulating real-world logistics routes, the project identified necessary refuelling infrastructure and operational trade-offs compared to battery-electric and diesel units. The evaluation confirms that hydrogen technology can facilitate a transition to zero-emission logistics without degrading delivery schedules.
Timeline
The logistics simulation project was completed in mid-October 2026.
Project findings were presented at EU Hydrogen Week 2026 in October 2026.
Market Landscape
The project findings, presented at EU Hydrogen Week 2026, align with ongoing European efforts to decarbonize heavy-duty transport. This study updates the industry evidence base regarding hydrogen's operational feasibility relative to battery-electric and diesel alternatives.
Logistics operators evaluating fleet transitions should monitor these performance indicators when comparing hydrogen against current battery-electric limitations. Focus on the refueling infrastructure requirements identified in the Flemish study as a benchmark for potential network investments.
The takeaway
Hydrogen fuel cell trucks are now proven to match diesel operational standards in delivery timing and refuelling throughput. Logistics managers should track the expansion of public-private partnerships that integrate digital twin modelling to de-risk future fleet investment decisions.
Further reading
For broader trends in fleet decarbonization and infrastructure, see our Transportation section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Waterstofnet.
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