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The trajectory of hybrid and hydrogen technologies in North American heavy haul operations
Open accessAbstract
Abstract The central aim of this paper is to provide an up-to-date snapshot of hybrid and hydrogen technology-related developments and activities in the North American heavy haul railway setting, placed in the context of the transportation industry more broadly. An overview of relevant alternative propulsion technologies is provided, including a discussion of applicability to the transportation sector in general and heavy haul freight rail specifically. This is followed by a discussion of current developments and research in alternative and blended fuels, discussed again in both general and specific settings. Key factors and technical considerations for heavy haul applications are reviewed, followed by a discussion of non-technical and human factors that motivate a move toward clean energy in North American Heavy Haul systems. Finally, current project activities are described to provide a clear understanding of both the status and trajectory of hybrid and hydrogen technologies in the established context.
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“Current battery technology, while advancing, faces limitations in energy density, restricting its applicability in long-distance aviation and maritime transport, where gravimetric and volumetric energy densities are critical [36,37].”
From Biofuels, E-Fuels, and Waste-Derived Fuels: Advances, Challenges, and Future Directions (2025) · cites this paper as [36]
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“The suitability and necessity of employing liquid biofuels, particularly advanced types, are increasingly recognized for the shipping and aviation sectors [107], where electrification faces substantial energy density limitations [12,36].”
From Biofuels, E-Fuels, and Waste-Derived Fuels: Advances, Challenges, and Future Directions (2025) · cites this paper as [36]
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“Stemming from characteristics like their relatively high energy density compared to alternatives like batteries [36] and gaseous fuels [46,47], along with their liquid state, these biofuels possess distinct advantages regarding ease of transportation and storage using existing infrastructure [12,15], simplified logistics, established safety protocols [46], and compatibility, often requiring”
From Biofuels, E-Fuels, and Waste-Derived Fuels: Advances, Challenges, and Future Directions (2025) · cites this paper as [36]
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“When comparing common energy carriers, liquid ecofuels exhibit substantially higher gravimetric and volumetric energy densities than current battery technologies, although typically lower than conventional fossil fuels like gasoline or diesel [36,37].”
From Biofuels, E-Fuels, and Waste-Derived Fuels: Advances, Challenges, and Future Directions (2025) · cites this paper as [36]
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Biofuels, E-Fuels, and Waste-Derived Fuels: Advances, Challenges, and Future Directions
Yılbaşı, Z. (2025) · Sustainability · doi:10.3390/su17136145 · Cited by 41
Metadata
- Authors
- Oldknow, K., Mulligan, K., & McTaggart-Cowan, G.
- Affiliations
- Simon Fraser University (CA)
- Canadian Pacific Railway (Canada) (CA)
- Corresponding author
- Oldknow, Kevin
- Venue
- Railway Engineering Science
- Published
- 2021-07-05
- Volume
- 29
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 233-247
- ISSN
- 2662-4745 (ISSN-L)
- 2662-4753
- OpenAlex
- W3184918235
- Cited by
- 28
- References
- 28
- Citations by year
- 2026: 3 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 9 · 2023: 8 · 2022: 4
- FWCI
- 2.72
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- diamond
- doi.org
- Locations
- Railway Engineering Science (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Transportation › Railway Systems and Energy Efficiency
- Physical Sciences › Engineering › Automotive Engineering › Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Technologies
- Social Sciences › Transportation › Railways and European Transport Policy
- Keywords
- hybrid propulsion, hydrogen fuel cells, fuel blends, clean energy transition, human factors, technological trajectories
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