Technical and Economic Gaps in Freight Diesel-to-Natural Gas Transition – A Conceptual Analysis

Abstract

Heavy-duty road freight transport plays a central role in contemporary logistical systems but remains heavily dependent on diesel, making it a primary driver of atmospheric emissions, intensive fossil fuel consumption, and exposure to energy cost volatility. Given this scenario, the transition to alternative energy technologies has been widely discussed in academic literature, particularly within the contexts of sustainability, innovation, and organisational competitiveness. Among these alternatives, natural gas-based technologies—such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)—have received significant attention for their potential to serve as transitional solutions in the short and medium term. Despite the growing volume of studies on the subject, existing literature addresses the energy transition in road freight transport in a fragmented way. Technical research focuses on engine performance, energy efficiency, and emissions, while economic studies focus on financial indicators such as Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and payback periods. Meanwhile, organisational and behavioural approaches analyse institutional factors and technology acceptance. These strands progress largely in isolation, with limited integration between technical and economic issues, which restricts effective decision-making support within organisational and corporate environments. In this context, this article aims to critically examine the fragmentation of scientific literature regarding the transition from diesel to alternative energy technologies in heavy-duty road freight transport, and to propose a conceptual framework integrating technical and economic feasibility. The study adopts a theoretical-analytical approach based on critical synthesis of the literature, thereby addressing a gap in the integration of techno-economic dimensions in existing research. The article organises the technical, economic, and decisional dimensions involved in the energy transition, repositioning the debate beyond isolated environmental assessments. In doing so, it establishes a clear conceptual foundation for the development of integrated performance evaluation models and for future empirical investigations aimed at supporting strategic decision-making in the road freight transport sector. This approach contributes to bridging the gap between technical performance and economic decision-making in energy transition studies. The proposed framework is particularly relevant for fleet managers, logistics operators, and policymakers operating in contexts characterised by infrastructure constraints, regulatory uncertainty, and cost sensitivity.