RACE TO ZERO: ELECTRIC TRUCK MARKET CONTINUES TO GROW IN EUROPE
The European market for zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles (ZE-HDVs) continued to expand in the first quarter of 2026, according to the latest quarterly market monitor published by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT).
More than 6,350 zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles were registered in the EU during the first quarter of 2026. Overall, zero-emission trucks accounted for 4.5% of all new truck registrations, up from 3.6% during the same period in 2025.
The strongest growth was recorded in the heavy truck segment (above 12 tonnes), where around 1,600 zero-emission vehicles were sold, almost double the 900 units registered a year earlier. As a result, the market share increased from 1.4% to 2.3%, supported in part by the introduction of the EU's first CO₂ reduction target for heavy-duty vehicles, which entered into force in the second half of 2025. Mercedes remained the leading manufacturer in this segment, followed closely by MAN, reflecting increasing availability of electric long-haul truck models.
The medium-duty segment (3.5–12 tonnes) also continued to perform strongly, with around 2,000 zero-emission vehicles registered during the quarter. Their market share rose from 17.9% to 19.7%, although growth has moderated compared with previous years as the market begins to mature.
The broader heavy-duty vehicle market also expanded considerably. Approximately 92,400 heavy-duty vehicles were registered across the EU in the first quarter of 2026, representing a 19.8% increase compared with the same period last year. Spain and the Netherlands recorded particularly strong growth in registrations, while Portugal saw the largest increase in sales volumes. At the same time, the report notes that European truck manufacturers continue to face pressure on profitability due to lower margins, high investment costs linked to the transition to zero-emission technologies, and uneven market conditions across regions.