Europe's electric truck boom accelerates after stricter CO₂ rules kick in
Electric truck sales in Europe have surged since July 2025, when stricter CO₂ emissions standards came into force. The new rules have pushed manufacturers to expand their offerings, leading to a noticeable shift in the market. One in four electric trucks registered since 2022 was sold after the regulations took effect.
Before the CO₂ standards, electric trucks made up just 3.5 percent of new registrations in Europe. By late 2025, that figure had climbed to 5.6 percent. Some leading countries now report market shares as high as 16 to 18 percent, showing how regulations have sped up adoption.
Germany remains Europe's top market for electric trucks, outperforming other major economies. Meanwhile, Daimler Truck has overtaken Volvo Group as the continent's leading manufacturer. Despite this progress, China still dominates globally, with a 15 percent share of electric truck sales in 2025—three times Europe's rate.
Transport & Environment (T&E) argues that stronger CO₂ standards are essential for keeping Europe competitive. The group also highlights the need for national policies like CO₂-based tolls, carbon pricing, and incentives for charging infrastructure. These measures could make electric trucks more cost-effective and help manufacturers stay ahead in the global race.
The rise in electric truck sales shows how regulations can drive change in heavy transport. With front-runner countries reaching nearly one-fifth market share, the shift is gaining momentum. However, T&E warns that manufacturers must move faster to avoid falling behind international competitors.
