What’s the real cost of clean transportation?

Fleet operators and municipal planners across Western Canada are facing mounting pressure to reduce emissions — without compromising on performance or profitability. For many, hydrogen is emerging as a possible solution to decarbonize operations while keeping costs in check.

But what exactly is the cost of switching to hydrogen? To help understand that, the Edmonton Region Hydrogen HUB (the HUB) now has a free, interactive, web-based total cost of ownership (TCO) calculator. The HUB’s TCO calculator is the only tool of its kind in Canada – openly accessible, adaptable, and built to evolve with the needs of the hydrogen sector.

The tool was developed by Edmonton Global with support from Deloitte, and as a primary funder alongside Natural Resources Canada and Calgary Economic Development. The project is part of a larger push to help Canada, especially Western Canada, advance its clean transportation goals.

What is total cost of ownership?

Understanding the TCO gives vehicle owners a full financial picture of owning and operating a vehicle — factoring in purchase price, fuel costs, maintenance, downtime, and resale value.

TCO reflects all the realities fleet operators consider when making purchases in Western Canada’s commercial transportation sector. An owner's decision to lease or purchase a vehicle, and even expected downtime for maintenance and fueling, contribute to the TCO.

In short, knowing the TCO of a vehicle offers fleet operators a clear, data-backed view of the financial impacts of adopting hydrogen vehicles. The TCO calculator helps fleet owners plan for the future with clear insights into the cost savings and operational benefits – making strategic decisions easier.

Test drive the numbers

Our TCO Calculator lets users compare the lifetime costs of five key vehicle technologies: hydrogen fuel cell, hydrogen dual-fuel, battery-electric, diesel, and compressed natural gas (CNG) — empowering fleet operators to make informed, cost-effective decisions for the long haul.

By default, the tool populates a baseline of typical cost factors in fleet decisions, but it’s fully customizable. This lets fleets test tailored scenarios instead of relying on one-size-fits-all assumptions.

The results are displayed as cost breakdowns by category (capital, fuel, maintenance, etc.) and show projected emissions reductions.  

It’s more than a tool — it’s a catalyst for the 5,000 Hydrogen Vehicle Challenge, accelerating Canada’s transition to low-emission transportation. A global tool made for Canadian fleets.

TCO calculators are gaining traction globally as regions explore cleaner, more cost-effective energy alternatives.  

Many of these tools, developed in countries like the Netherlands, Germany, and the United States, help fleets evaluate fuel and vehicle technologies based on local policies and incentives. However, they are often built for domestic use, feature complex interfaces, or require technical expertise.  

So, what makes it right for Canadian fleets? It’s designed for Canadian roads, Canadian climates, and Canadian costs.

A made-in-Canada solution for policy makers

Hydrogen vehicles, especially for long-haul transport, are being explored in Alberta. Local governments and industry leaders are already investing in hydrogen infrastructure. However, as recent studies have shown, hydrogen fuel cost must fall for trucks to achieve cost parity with diesel. For policymakers, the TCO calculator is a valuable resource for promoting sustainable, economically sound transportation decisions that align with climate goals.  

Try It Yourself

Decarbonize your operations with confidence. Try the TCO calculator today to see how hydrogen compares to traditional energy sources.  

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