A 3,200-kilometre network of overhead power lines (catenary) for hybrid trucks would cut Germany’s road freight emissions by a fifth each year, according to a study by the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (ifeu). In this scenario, a truck which can be connected to overhead power lines will emit half as much CO2 by 2030 as a truck running on diesel, with emissions from the vehicle production, infrastructure and power generation included, according to Clean Energy Wire.

The study, which was conducted by ifeu, Fraunhofer IEE, IKEM and PTV Transport Consult, estimates that the envisioned network of overhead power lines on the busiest parts of Germany’s autobahn would require investments of about €7 billion euros over 10 years. It would, however, gradually become “finan cially self-sustaining”.

“Our calculations show that after about 10 to 15 years the system could be financed by the operating costs saved by the users,” said Julius Jöhrens, a researcher at ifeu.

In May last year, Germany opened its first public autobahn test track for overhead power line e-trucks.