ELECTRIC TRUCKS ALREADY CHEAPER THAN DIESEL IN SIX MAJOR EU MARKETS, T&E FINDS
Electric trucks already have a lower total cost of ownership than comparable diesel trucks in six of the nine EU markets examined by Transport & Environment (T&E). Together, those six markets account for 46% of new heavy truck sales in the EU, according to its analysis published on 28 September 2026.
T&E estimates that, under the conditions modelled, an electric truck bought in 2026 could save an operator up to €100,000 in the Netherlands, €85,000 in Germany and €69,000 in Denmark over five years compared with a diesel truck. In these markets, the higher initial investment can be recovered after around two years. The estimated five-year saving in the Netherlands rises to €128,000 for a lower-priced Chinese electric truck.
Purchase prices, energy costs and road tolls are central to the comparison. National purchase subsidies and toll discounts currently strengthen the business case in some countries, while electricity prices and charging costs vary. This means operators will need to assess the figures against their own routes, mileage, charging arrangements and financing costs.
Looking ahead, T&E projects that electric trucks could have a lower total cost of ownership in all nine markets by 2030, even if current purchase subsidies are reduced or phased out. That projection depends on continued reductions in truck prices and the implementation of measures including CO₂-based road tolling and renewable-energy credits for charging.
Operators can examine the assumptions and compare scenarios in T&E’s interactive cost calculator. The full report provides the country-by-country analysis.