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The trucking industry’s anticipated pre-buy ahead of 2027 is taking a different shape as economic uncertainty, shifting regulations and tariffs cloud the market.

Private fleets operating in the food and beverage sector are demonstrating effective use cases for electric-powered trucks, electric transport refrigeration units and alternative fuels.

Speakers agreed that biodiesel, renewable diesel, renewable natural gas, hydrogen and battery-electric are all important to reducing emissions.

Hydrogen fuel cells are emerging as a viable alternative to diesel in many use cases, including longhaul applications that need more range than battery-electric vehicles offer. 

Hydrogen is often categorized by colors meant to indicate its emissions, but experts said getting too hung up on color could hinder the production and adoption of hydrogen-powered equipment.

Hydrogen adoption faces infrastructure hurdles as industry shifts from billion-dollar hub plans to practical solutions. Experts highlight ethanol conversion and cost concerns.

The hydrogen internal combustion engine is already considered zero-emissions technology in the European market, and interest in the North American market is increasing.

Clarios has released a battery-monitoring technology, IdleLess, that provides real-time insights on heavy-duty vehicles while reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

Fleets and industry vendors attending the Truckload Carriers Association’s Truckload 2025 conference said technology is helping increase efficiency and improve decision-making.

ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello points to two international issues that could upend supply chains: a U.S. plan for fees on Chinese-built ships and "cabotage."