31 July 2026

BATTERY-ELECTRIC TRUCKS GAIN GROUND, BUT MARKET UPTAKE REMAINS UNEVEN ACROSS EUROPE

Registrations of battery-electric trucks in the European Union have increased by 47% during the first half of 2026, according to the latest figures published by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA). Despite the strong growth, ACEA warns that the transition to zero-emission road freight continues to be held back by insufficient charging infrastructure, limited grid capacity, and an uneven policy landscape across Member States.

A total of 8,235 battery-electric medium- and heavy-duty trucks were registered in the EU during the first six months of the year, compared with 5,575 during the same period in 2025. Nevertheless, diesel remains by far the dominant powertrain, accounting for 92.1% of all new truck registrations, with more than 158,000 new diesel trucks entering service.

The overall EU truck market also recorded solid growth. New truck registrations increased by 10% to 171,933 vehicles, driven primarily by demand for heavy-duty trucks, which rose by 11%, while the medium-duty segment expanded by 2.8%.

The uptake of battery-electric trucks remains highly concentrated in a small number of markets. Germany recorded the strongest growth (+88.5%), followed by the Netherlands (+44.5%) and France (+43.7%). Together, these three countries accounted for almost three-quarters (74%) of all battery-electric truck registrations in the European Union and were the only Member States to register more than 1,000 electric trucks during the first half of the year. In many other EU countries, registrations remain limited to only a few dozen or a few hundred vehicles.

The figures underline the significant disparities in the pace of the transition across Europe. While fleet electrification is accelerating in several leading markets, widespread adoption will depend on the rapid deployment of charging infrastructure, stronger electricity grids, supportive investment conditions, and a harmonised regulatory framework that enables operators to make the transition with confidence.

For the logistics sector, the data demonstrates that the market for zero-emission trucks continues to develop and reinforces the need for coordinated implementation of the EU’s transport decarbonisation policies. Alongside vehicle availability, sufficient charging and electricity grid capacity, affordable electricity prices, and targeted public investment will be essential to achieve the EU’s long-term climate and competitiveness objectives.