Gas-powered trucks using ethanol and biomethane are expanding within Brazil's road cargo transport sector [1].
This shift represents a strategic effort to reduce reliance on diesel and meet national decarbonization goals. As petroleum prices remain high, the transition to biofuels offers a potential path toward lower emissions and energy independence for the logistics industry [1], [2].
Despite the promotion of these alternatives, the current adoption rate remains low. Gas-powered vehicles currently represent only 0.1% of the heavy-vehicle fleet in Brazil [1]. The gap between the industry's growth ambitions and the actual number of vehicles on the road highlights the significant infrastructure and cost hurdles facing the transition.
Fuel availability is a primary driver of this movement. Brazil is seeing a surge in ethanol production, which is increasingly taking priority over sugar production [2]. For the 2026/2027 harvest, ethanol production is projected to reach 43 billion liters [2]. This increased supply provides the necessary raw material to fuel a larger fleet of heavy-duty trucks.
Biomethane is also being positioned as a critical alternative to traditional diesel. By capturing methane from organic waste, the industry aims to create a circular economy that lowers the carbon footprint of long-haul shipping [1].
Logistics companies are weighing the benefits of these fuels against the initial investment required for new fleets. While the environmental incentives are clear, the transition requires a widespread expansion of fueling stations to support long-distance cargo routes [1].
“Gas-powered vehicles currently represent only 0.1% of the heavy-vehicle fleet in Brazil”
The disparity between the high projected ethanol output and the negligible percentage of gas-powered trucks suggests that Brazil's energy transition is currently limited by vehicle adoption rather than fuel supply. While the raw materials for a green fleet are available, the 0.1% market share indicates that significant barriers—likely including vehicle cost and fueling infrastructure—must be overcome before biofuels can meaningfully replace diesel in the heavy transport sector.
