Single Article - The Association of European Vehicle Logistics

Zero-emission trucks in Europe—the road so far

Transport & Environment — 2026-03-13

News from Brussels

Electric truck sales rose sharply in 2025 as the first ever truck CO2 target kicked in July. New data reveals the state of zero-emission truck sales in Europe.

The new target has spurred the European e-truck market, though China still leads the global race. Front-running countries show the way forward as they keep pace with China, thanks to comprehensive policies supporting the shift to electric.

The truck CO2 standards are key to maintaining European competitiveness and market certainty. Safeguarding their ambition is crucial to ensure European truckmakers do not lose the technological race.

Key findings

5.6% of new trucks have been electric since July 2025, up from 3.5% in the previous 12 months.
One out of four e-trucks registered in Europe since 2022 was sold after the 2025 CO2 target kicked in.
China is still the global leader with an e-truck share of 15%, compared to 5% in Europe in 2025.
The Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Denmark are European frontrunners, reaching 16–18% electric truck shares in 2025. Germany leads among large truck markets.
National implementation of European measures such as CO2-based tolling (Eurovignette), CO2 pricing (ETS2), and renewable electricity credits for public and private charging (RED III) can greatly improve e-truck economics, thus supporting electrification at scale.
Daimler Truck has overtaken Volvo Group as the leading e-truck manufacturer, while other truck makers are slow to increase electric sales. Truck makers must accelerate to remain competitive globally.