Electric Trucks Go Mainstream in Europe

The European Union’s CO2 standards for heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs), first introduced in 2019 and updated in 2024, set ambitious emissions reduction targets for truck manufacturers. By 2030, trucks are required to cut emissions by 43% compared to 2019 levels, with further reductions of 64% by 2035 and 90% by 2040. These targets aim to accelerate the shift towards zero-emission trucks (ZETs) and reduce the environmental impact of freight transport across Europe. European truckmakers have recently called for an earlier review of these standards, proposing that the European Commission bring forward the assessment from 2027 to 2026. The industry argues that the current market conditions and supporting infrastructure are insufficient to generate the demand needed for manufacturers to meet the 2030 targets. They suggest that without more time or changes to the legislation, OEMs may struggle to comply with the stringent emissions requirements. However, Transport & Environment (T&E) has challenged these claims, arguing that an early revision of the CO2 standards is neither justified nor beneficial. T&E warns that weakening or delaying the targets could undermine Europe’s competitiveness in the automotive sector and prolong reliance on fossil fuels. The organisation insists that maintaining the current timeline is crucial to ensure the continued growth of the zero-emission truck market and to support Europe’s broader climate and energy goals. The debate highlights the tension between industry readiness and regulatory ambition in the transition to electric trucks. While truckmakers seek more flexibility, environmental advocates stress the importance of firm standards to drive innovation and infrastructure development. The European Commission’s decision on whether to adjust the review timeline will be closely watched, as it will influence the pace at which electric trucks become mainstream across the continent.