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Land transportation
As early as February, the Öko-Institut published a survey of 200 logistics professionals to assess their views on the prospects of battery-electric trucks. At the time, it was revealed that a majority of logistics companies (61 per cent) were already considering the potential procurement of battery-electric trucks, but only 28 per cent had committed to adopting them by 2030.
The researchers have now taken the next step by surveying 57 companies that have already operated at least one heavy battery-electric truck for a minimum of one year. These so-called early adopters were identified by the Öko-Institut with the help of manufacturer Daimler Truck, which has been offering the eActros 600, an advanced battery-electric truck for long-haul transport, since the end of 2024. As a result, a large proportion of the surveyed companies are likely to have this model in their fleets.
What drives companies to procure battery-electric trucks, and how do the vehicles perform in daily operations? A survey conducted as part of the federally funded ELV-Live project under the theme ‘Acceptance of battery-electric trucks after long-term practical testing’ provides new insights. The key finding: with a satisfaction rate of 93 per cent, battery-electric trucks have already established themselves among surveyed companies as a reliable and cost-effective alternative to diesel vehicles. According to the study, battery-electric trucks are moving beyond niche applications and becoming an increasingly mainstream option for logistics providers in both regional and long-haul transport.
More reliable than diesel trucks
According to the survey, Germany’s toll exemption for battery-electric trucks and low electricity costs at depots are key factors for economic operation. Another advantage is the high technical reliability of the vehicles, which is rated even more favourably than that of conventional diesel trucks. Additionally, the high driving comfort and the resulting positive acceptance by drivers are widely praised.
Despite the positive feedback from operators of battery-electric trucks, significant barriers to broader market adoption remain. “The high acquisition costs, as well as bureaucratic and financial hurdles in expanding depot charging infrastructure and grid connection upgrades, remain key challenges,” said Florian Hacker, Project Leader in the Öko-Institut’s research team.
Most surveyed companies view public charging for battery-electric trucks as an inadequate solution for several reasons. Many charging points are not structurally designed for electric trucks, while high public charging prices create an additional economic hurdle. Logistics providers are therefore calling for more charging points, additional space for truck charging, more affordable and transparent pricing models, and reservation options.
Cost savings and customer demand as key drivers
The reasons cited by pioneering companies for procuring battery-electric trucks are also noteworthy: cost savings, energy costs, toll exemptions, environmental and climate goals, customer demand, and future-proof fleet modernisation are particularly important factors driving adoption.
The 57 surveyed companies currently operate around 300 battery-electric trucks collectively. Moreover, 93 per cent estimate that battery-electric trucks will be extensively, standardly, or largely in use within their companies by 2030.