CO2- Bepreisung im TCO: Strategien für nachhaltige LKW-Flotte

Abstract

This master's thesis examines the impact of carbon pricing on the total cost of ownership (TCO) in the logistics industry, focusing specifically on the DHL Group. The TCO approach provides a comprehensive overview of all costs associated with acquiring, operating and disposing of goods or services. Against the backdrop of stricter environmental regulations and mounting political and social pressure to reduce emissions, logistics companies must combine economic efficiency with ecological sustainability. Global players such as the DHL Group are responding to this by increasing their use of alternative drive systems, such as battery-powered vehicles, and by using sustainable aviation fuels to reduce the carbon footprint of their fleets. The thesis is divided into theoretical and empirical sections. First, the existing state of research on TCO methods, CO₂ pricing mechanisms, and their regulatory framework is analysed. Building on this, the ecological assessment is classified within the TCO context, taking into account external costs due to emissions. Additionally, expert interviews are conducted with DHL Group executives to gain practical insights into strategic decision-making and the implementation of sustainable technologies. Combining a literature review with qualitative interviews enables a comprehensive analysis of the factors linking CO₂ pricing and TCO. The study shows that the TCO approach is a key tool for economically evaluating investments in road freight transport, becoming significantly more meaningful when CO₂ costs are factored in. Increasing regulatory requirements and CO₂ prices will reduce the economic viability of fossil fuel drives, accelerating the market introduction of low-emission alternatives. In the short term, HVO offers a practical transitional solution. In the long term, however, battery-electric trucks are expected to be the most economically attractive option, particularly for local and medium-distance transport. For the time being, hydrogen will remain limited to niche applications, while biofuels and e-fuels can be used as a supplement. Precise emissions data, reliable framework conditions, and technological maturity are crucial for the effective integration of CO₂ costs into TCO models. This enables the TCO to evaluate costs and serve as a strategic control instrument for the sustainable transformation of truck fleets.

Date of Award	2025
Original language	German (Austria)
Supervisor	Werner König (Supervisor)