Zero-Emission Heavy-Duty Vehicles: Progress Amid Challenges

The transportation industry is at a pivotal moment, with zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) at the centre of Europe’s push toward decarbonisation. While the path is not without its challenges, Q3 2024 showcased a blend of resilience, innovation, and opportunity within the HDV sector. This transition is essential — not just for meeting climate goals but for reimagining how goods and people move across the continent.

Photo by Netze BW on Unsplash

Steady Progress in a Shifting Market

Zero-emission HDVs represented 4% of all sales in Q3 2024. While this may seem modest, it reflects steady progress in a sector long dominated by diesel. Heavy trucks, a cornerstone of freight transport, saw a 42% year-on-year increase in zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales. This growth occurred even as the overall HDV market contracted by 32% compared to Q2 2024.

Germany, a leader in HDV innovation, accounted for 36% of zero-emission heavy truck sales in Q3, underlining its commitment to sustainable freight solutions. Yet, the broader adoption of ZEVs across Europe remains uneven, with high costs and infrastructure challenges presenting significant barriers in some regions.

Spotlight on Light and Medium Trucks

In the light and medium truck segment, zero-emission vehicles reached a 10.4% market share in Q3 2024, up from 9.9% in Q2. These vehicles, critical for urban and regional logistics, are becoming more accessible as manufacturers introduce competitive models. Iveco’s eDaily, for example, overtook Ford’s E-Transit as the top-selling zero-emission vehicle in this category, reflecting a growing diversification of the market.

Electrifying Public Transport

The bus sector continues to play a leading role in Europe’s zero-emission transition. Zero-emission buses accounted for 14% of sales in Q3, slightly down from 18% in Q2 but still reflective of significant progress. Battery electric city buses now represent 36% of all city bus registrations, a clear indicator of urban transport’s shift toward electrification.

Manufacturers are stepping up to meet this demand. Mercedes, for instance, became the top-selling zero-emission bus manufacturer in Q3 2024, overtaking previous leaders and highlighting the increasing competitiveness of this market.

Addressing the Barriers to Adoption

Despite these successes, the shift to zero-emission HDVs is not without its hurdles. Economic pressures, such as the contraction in overall HDV sales, high initial costs for ZEVs, and the need for expanded charging infrastructure, remain significant challenges.

However, the resilience of the ZEV market in the face of these obstacles is a testament to its long-term viability. Year-on-year growth rates, particularly in heavy trucks and light vehicles, signal a clear trajectory toward broader adoption.

A Call to Action

For fleet operators, now is the time to act. Transitioning to zero-emission vehicles is no longer a question of “if” but “how.” This transition brings not only environmental benefits but also long-term cost savings, improved operational efficiency, and the opportunity to stay ahead of regulatory changes.

Governments and manufacturers have critical roles to play in addressing infrastructure gaps and reducing the cost of electrification. Incentives, partnerships, and continued innovation will be essential to making zero-emission vehicles more accessible to businesses of all sizes.

Driving the Transition with EVE

At EVE, we specialise in making this transition seamless and effective. From helping fleets identify the right vehicles to electrify, to optimising charging infrastructure and providing real-time analytics, our solutions are designed to empower fleets to overcome the challenges of electrification. The journey to zero emissions is complex, but the destination, a cleaner, more sustainable transport ecosystem is within reach. As the data from Q3 2024 shows, the momentum is building, and the industry is moving in the right direction.

Together, we can accelerate this progress. At EVE, we’re committed to working alongside fleet operators to turn ambition into action, ensuring that zero-emission transport becomes the standard, not the exception.

EVE is an e-mobility intelligence software enabling fleet operators to plan, deploy, and optimise their fleets’ electrification. By providing real-time analytics, simulations, and predictive insights, EVE enables businesses to reduce costs, increase operational efficiency, and lower emissions, making the transition to electric vehicles seamless and sustainable.