Comprehensive assessment of alternative fueling system supply chains in the heavy duty trucking sector

This project examines production supply chains for fueling systems of heavy duty vehicles. The project uses life cycle analysis (LCA) and extends the method to consider impacts beyond energy consumption and associated emissions, including wider societal impacts, such as air emissions generated in the production or operations process, or labor conditions for those engaged in raw materials extraction or component production. The project builds on current research that is developing prototype supply chains and identifying “hot spots” for particular impacts. The purpose of the research is to examine strategies for relocating resource extraction, production, and manufacturing activity to reduce overall impacts. The case of electric batteries for trucks is used to estimate the effects of taking advantage of locations with cleaner energy mix or more robust labor standards, as for example onshoring manufacturing to the US.