“Battery-electric trucks are increasingly establishing themselves as the most efficient zero-emission option for short- and medium-haul transport,” says the latest ING analysis titled “Europe’s electric truck market is gaining momentum, but the road is bumpy…”
The European Union requires manufacturers to reduce the CO2 emissions of new trucks by 15% by 2025 and by 43% by 2030, measured against the fleet average for 2019/2020. Without a rapid ramp-up of e-truck production, these targets will be difficult to achieve, the study says.
In 2025, the share of heavy electric trucks (over 16 tonnes) in new registrations in the EU, EFTA and the United Kingdom reached around 3% for the first time. For 2026, ING expects an increase to over 5%.
The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) expects 290,000 to 340,000 heavy electric trucks on Europe’s roads by 2030. The manufacturers’ association ACEA even assumes up to 400,000 vehicles.
Uneven market development: the northwest is pulling ahead
Progress, however, is not uniform across the board. “Most heavy electric trucks are being put on the road in Germany, where they are strongly supported through purchase incentives and full toll exemptions,” the study says.
France, the Netherlands as well as Switzerland, Norway and Sweden already recorded double-digit registration figures in 2025—also thanks to combined incentives and a clear political direction.
The picture is different in southern and eastern Europe:
“In central and eastern European as well as southern European countries without financial support, adoption is minimal.”
The implementation of the Eurovignette Directive with CO2-differentiated tolls—as in Germany, Belgium or the Netherlands—further strengthens the incentive to purchase zero-emission vehicles.
Adoption (and support) of heavy electric trucks varies significantly between countries
New registrations of battery-electric trucks (>16 tonnes, incl. plug-in hybrids) by country and market penetration in Q1–Q3 2025
Source: ACEA, ING Research
Retail and large-scale logistics as drivers
“Retailers with dense distribution networks and charging infrastructure at depots or warehouses can already operate electric trucks economically,” ING notes.
Estimates suggest that around 30% of sales currently go to this sector. Logistics service providers such as DSV or Amazon are also increasingly relying on battery-electric trucks, especially in urban and regional transport. A prerequisite, however, is that the charging infrastructure fits the business model: “Fast charging with intensive use, slow charging overnight.”
Manufacturers are gearing up and new players are entering the market
After Volvo, as a pioneer, went into series production early, all major manufacturers followed in 2025: Mercedes-Benz, MAN, DAF and Scania started series production. MAN began deliveries of the new eTGX in mid-2025. In the first half of the year, according to ING, almost half of all deliveries went to Volvo and Renault.
“Electrification lowers barriers to entry, especially for new providers from China, such as BYD,” the report continues. While availability and after-sales service are crucial in the truck industry, new market entrants could create price pressure through partnerships with established players and disrupt existing structures.
Regulation does not slow things down in the short term, but it carries risks
One point that has received little attention so far: the EU has granted manufacturers more leeway to meet their climate targets. According to the ING study, some producers were granted a three-year transition period if they miss the CO₂ target of minus 15% in the period from July 2025 to July 2026. In addition, unused CO2 credits may be carried over into subsequent years.
“This flexibility reduces immediate pressure—sanctions move further away—but could slow the necessary scaling up and thus falling unit costs,” the analysis says. A general review of the CO2 regulatory framework for trucks is not scheduled until 2027, but could be initiated earlier.
MAN and TIP: framework agreement for 1,800 trucks shows rising demand
Against this backdrop, the new framework agreement between MAN Truck & Bus and the TIP Group highlights one thing above all: demand for modern trucks—including zero-emission trucks—is clearly rising. The agreement provides for up to 600 vehicles per year between 2026 and 2028, a total of up to 1,800 trucks for 18 European countries. The order value can amount to up to €160 million. It includes both diesel and electric vehicles.
“This agreement underscores confidence in our products and shows how we are jointly driving the transformation of the industry,” says MAN board member for sales Friedrich Baumann.
Read more: Electrification, the stiff collar of road transport: uncomfortable, costly, but no longer optional
Outlook: leasing as a bridge to zero-emission heavy-duty transport
According to ING, the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) of electric trucks is improving steadily, not least thanks to falling battery prices and CO2-dependent tolls. But high upfront costs, charging infrastructure, grid connections and investment risks remain challenges. ING expects: “Cost parity will be reached before 2030, taking external effects into account.”
Leasing providers such as TIP can actively support this transition through predictable costs, maintenance contracts and a Europe-wide service network. The MAN/TIP agreement is not a breakthrough, but it is a clear signal: the market for electric trucks is growing, and the industry is responding.
