Full Breakdown
Electric Trucks Deliver Lower Total Cost of Ownership in Six Major EU Markets
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Findings
Transport & Environment (T&E) analysis shows that electric heavy-duty trucks have a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) than diesel trucks in six of nine major EU markets, accounting for 46 % of all new heavy-truck sales in the bloc. In the Netherlands and Germany, fleet operators could save up to €100,000 and €85,000 respectively over a five-year horizon, with payback achieved after only two years of operation. When a Chinese-manufactured e-truck is used, projected five-year savings in the Netherlands rise to €128,000. If diesel prices remain high, savings on European-made e-trucks could climb to €123,000 (Netherlands) and €106,000 (Germany).
Policy Context
The study was released amid a renewed diesel price shock linked to supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. T&E argues that the current diesel crisis makes rapid electrification the only realistic hedge for hauliers. The organization recommends three policy levers to sustain cost advantages:
1. Maintain the –43 % CO2 target for heavy-duty vehicles by 2030 to ensure manufacturers keep expanding e-truck offerings.
2. Expand CO2-based tolling and grant a 100 % exemption for zero-emission trucks under the Eurovignette Directive in Italy, France, Spain and Portugal until 2031, with a gradual reduction thereafter.
3. Continue financial support for depot charging while accelerating grid upgrades and permitting processes.
These measures are presented as sufficient for electric trucks to become cheaper to operate in all nine analysed EU countries by 2030, even if purchase subsidies are reduced.
Official Statements & Responses
T&E’s director of freight and fleets, Stef Cornelis, stresses that “Europe’s truckers are on the front line of the diesel crisis” and calls on both manufacturers and governments to act swiftly. Cornelis also urges truckmakers to focus on scaling production rather than lobbying for regulatory changes, noting that stable policy is essential for investors across the e-truck ecosystem.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Europe’s truckers are on the front line of the diesel crisis,” — Stef Cornelis, director of freight and fleets at T&E
- “Europe’s truckmakers should be fully focused on increasing the scale of production of e-trucks to lower their up-front prices, rather than continuing their efforts to change the regulations,” — Stef Cornelis, director of freight and fleets at T&E
Implications for the Industry
If the recommended policies are adopted, European manufacturers could preserve market leadership against rapidly entering Chinese and U.S. competitors such as the Tesla Semi. Lower upfront prices and sustained subsidies for charging infrastructure would improve profit margins for hauliers, potentially accelerating the shift toward zero-emission freight transport across the EU.