Cutting emissions from heavy-duty transport requires real data on costs, benefits, and practical limitations

The goods consumed in Finland are mostly transported on roads by heavy goods vehicles, and this is clearly reflected in the carbon emissions of heavy transport.

– Heavy transport is a vital part of our economy, but at the same time, it generates a significant share of our country’s carbon emissions. Climate targets are forcing companies to reduce their carbon emissions, and many heavy transport operators are now weighing various low-carbon alternatives, says Clara Rajalehto.

Rajalehto’s timely doctoral dissertation investigates the decarbonisation of heavy road transport from a techno-economic and environmental perspective. The dissertation examines how market-ready alternatives – such as battery-electric lorries, renewable diesel, and biogas – suit day-to-day transport operations in practice.

– The adoption of low-carbon solutions requires data on their actual costs, benefits, and practical constraints—in other words, what is commercially viable and over what timeframe.

The core finding of Rajalehto’s dissertation is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for achieving low-carbon heavy transport; rather, it is shaped by multiple factors.

– The most effective option depends on the transport assignment and operating environment. Electricity is at its most economical when vehicle mileage makes efficient use of battery range, biogas is well suited for longer hauls, and renewable diesel offers a flexible solution without requiring fleet modifications.

Electricity receives support, but it is not the only option

Rajalehto’s doctoral research is tied to the topical debate on transport emission reductions, energy security, competitiveness, and the technologies through which climate targets for heavy transport can be achieved cost-effectively.

In her dissertation, Rajalehto employed total cost of ownership (TCO) calculations, emission accounting, learning curve modelling, sensitivity analyses, and logistics network optimisation.

– In my view, the key finding of my dissertation is that all options are feasible. Naturally, electricity is the alternative that bodies such as the EU wish to support, and development in heavy transport has been faster than initially anticipated. However, that does not mean electricity is immediately the best solution for every transport task. Biogas and renewable fuels can offer companies viable options already during the transition phase – especially where electrification would require major investments in fleet or infrastructure.

Dissertation

Rajalehto, Clara (2026) Decarbonising heavy-duty road freight transport: techno-economic assessment of alternative fuel pathways. Acta Wasaensia 596. Doctoral dissertation. University of Vaasa.

Publication PDF

Public defence

The public examination of M.Sc. Clara Rajalehto’s doctoral dissertation “Decarbonising heavy-duty road freight transport: techno-economic assessment of alternative fuel pathways”will be held on Thursday 15 October 2026 at 12at the University of Vaasa, auditorium Kurtén.

It is possible to participate in the defence also online: 
https://uwasa.zoom.us/j/69303496280?pwd=29jM6KsqCjsyOS0YHpAzfxINdypEaZ.1
Password: 016515

Associate Professor Mario Hirz (Graz University of Technology) will act as opponent and Professor Petri Helo as custos.