Key facts
- Electric trucks are cheaper to own and operate than diesel models in six major EU markets.
- These markets account for 46% of EU heavy-truck registrations.
- Savings over five years for electric trucks purchased in 2026 can reach €100,000 in the Netherlands.
- Rising diesel prices, influenced by the Iran conflict, are strengthening the business case for electric trucks.
- Chinese-built electric trucks are estimated to cost about €210,000, compared to €265,000 for European equivalents.
A surge in diesel prices, linked to the Iran conflict, has made electric trucks more economically viable than their diesel counterparts in six key European Union markets, which collectively represent nearly half of the bloc's new truck sales. This finding comes from an analysis by the environmental advocacy group Transport & Environment (T&E).
The report, published on Monday, indicates that electric trucks purchased in 2026 could generate savings of up to €100,000 over five years in the Netherlands, €85,000 in Germany, and €69,000 in Denmark when compared to diesel vehicles. In these markets, the initial price premium for electric trucks can be recouped in approximately two years.
T&E stated that the rising diesel prices, exacerbated by oil price spikes related to the Iran conflict, have significantly strengthened the business case for electrification. The transition to electric trucks in Europe has previously been hindered by high purchase prices and inadequate charging infrastructure.
The analysis examined the total cost of ownership across nine EU countries. It found that electric trucks were already cheaper to operate than diesel models in the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, France, and Belgium, representing 46% of EU heavy-truck registrations.
Earlier this year, Reuters reported that European truck manufacturers like Daimler Truck, Volvo Group, and Traton's Scania were anticipating increased competition from lower-cost Chinese electric trucks, with some expected to be priced around 30% below comparable European models. T&E estimates a Chinese-built electric truck costs approximately €210,000, versus €265,000 for a European equivalent. In Germany alone, operators could save an additional €34,000 over five years by opting for a Chinese-made electric truck.