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Electromobility is driving change in heavy goods transport. While China is setting the pace for e-truck registrations, Europe must act now - because its manufacturers, regulatory role and industrial policy responsibility are central to a sustainable global mobility transition.
Global market development - China sets standards
China is the largest and most dynamic market for e-trucks. In the first half of 2025, sales increased sales increased by around 175% compared to the previous year - a quarter of all newly registered trucks are now electric vehicles (Reuters).
There is also a clear trend worldwide: in 2024, over 90,000 heavy-duty electric trucks were were delivered - an increase of almost 80% compared to 2023. Growth is particularly strong in Asia and North America (IEA).
Europe's position - a race to catch up with challenges
In 2024, Europe recorded growth of 42% in new zero-emission truck new truck registrations, totaling around 3,400 vehicles; the share of the overall market remains remains at just 1.2% (Brogn EV Solution). Germany, France and the Netherlands are are driving the change.
Challenges until 2030
Charging infrastructure: Around 900,000 charging points for e-trucks will be needed in Europe by 2030; This alone will require investments of around €20 billion. Megawatt charging systems along the main axes are crucial to drastically reduce charging times in long-distance transport (Wikipedia - MCS).
Costs: The purchase is significantly more expensive, despite lower operating costs. Appropriate financing and subsidy models are crucial.
Regulation: Strict CO2 limits enable clear framework conditions - as long as they are consistently implemented and linked to infrastructure measures.
New political impetus: 100% toll exemption by 2031
The EU Commission has proposed exempting zero-emission heavy commercial vehicles - e-trucks, fuel cell and hydrogen trucks - from tolls and user charges until June 30, 2031. user charges until June 30, 2031. (Verkehrsrundschau, Transport EC).
as of 31.12.25
Regulation: Exemption of zero-emission trucks from tolls and road charges (EU exemption)
Expected impact: short-term investment incentive, but with an uncertain time horizon
Source: trans.info
1.1.26 - 30.6.2031 (planned)
Regulation: Extension of the 100% toll exemption for e-trucks, fuel cells and hydrogen trucks
Expected effect: planning security, greater willingness to invest
Source: Verkehrsrundschau
from 2026 in parallel
Regulation: Introduction of Co2-differentiated toll tariffs in Member States
Expected effect: competitive disadvantage for diesel trucks, boost for emission-free drives
Source: Transport EC
2030 - EU climate target
Regulation: Reduction of Co2 emissions from heavy commercial vehicles by 43% compared to 2019
Expected effect: massive switch to e-trucks necessary
Source: Transport EC
as of 1.7.2031
Regulation: end of 100% toll exemption, regular charges also for e-trucks
Expected effect: Self-economization of e-trucks required
Source: trans.info
Electromobility among European manufacturers
Volvo Trucks: 1,970 new heavy-duty e-trucks (over 16 t) were registered in Europe in 2024 - Market share around 47%. Volvo has already delivered over 5,000 e-trucks worldwide (Volvo Trucks).
TRATON Group (MAN, Scania, VW Truck & Bus): around 1,740 all-electric vehicles were sold in 2024. vehicles were sold. MAN and Scania record strong growth in 2025: in the first half of the year together over 1,000 e-trucks (TRATON).
Market shares in Europe (Q3 2024): Volvo (36%), Renault (32%), Mercedes-Benz (13%, in Germany 36 %), Scania (4 %) (Electrive).
Why Europe plays a key role
With leading manufacturers such as Volvo, MAN, Scania and Mercedes-Benz, Europe is not only a sales market sales market, but also a driver of innovation and a hotbed of exports. A successful electrification of the European heavy-duty segment would send out a global signal. Europe is also regarded as a regulatory pacemaker: strict CO2 limits and sustainability sustainability standards have an impact beyond the internal market. In addition, European European freight forwarders are an integral part of global supply chains - their electrification could reduce the massively reduce the CO2 footprint of global trade.
Outlook - Vision 2030
The e-truck market is on the move globally - and Europe must not fall behind. A consistent expansion of the e-truck infrastructure, a clear regulatory framework and political incentives incentives such as 100% toll exemption by 2031 are crucial to position Europe as a leading market and innovation location by 2030. market and innovation location by 2030. One thing is certain: Heavy goods traffic will undergo fundamentally change - and the e-truck is at the center of this transformation.
