A recent total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis shows that in six out of nine major EU markets, electric trucks are already the most cost-effective option. These six countries represent 46% of all new heavy truck sales in the EU.
In the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark, operators can save up to €100,000, €85,000, and €69,000 respectively over five years, with electric trucks breaking even after just two years. For Chinese electric trucks, which are significantly cheaper, five-year savings in the Netherlands can reach €128,000.
This trend is driven by increased production scale, lower truck prices due to the EU’s truck CO2 targets, and national incentives such as vehicle subsidies and reduced road tolls.
As Europe faces a new energy crisis, the cost gap between diesel and electric trucks is widening, making electric trucks the most affordable and secure investment for transport companies.
T&E modeling projects that by 2030, with current policies and a few new measures like the Eurovignette Directive and RED III, electric trucks will be cheaper to operate in all nine EU Member States—even as vehicle purchase subsidies are phased out or reduced.
Key recommendations:
1. Maintain the EU truck CO2 standards: The -43% CO2 target for 2030 is essential to encourage manufacturers to produce more electric trucks and achieve the economies of scale needed to further reduce prices, which is the main factor for a favorable TCO.
2. Implement CO2-based tolling: Italy, France, Spain, and Poland should adopt the Eurovignette Directive, exempting zero-emission trucks from road infrastructure charges (100% until 2031 and 50-75% afterwards). Member States should also introduce a CO2 charge.
3. Enable REDIII e-credits for depot charging: Sweden, France, Poland, Italy, and Spain should implement REDIII for both public and private (depot) charging, reducing electricity costs at depots where most trucks are charged.
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