Europe’s zero-emission truck market grows in H1 2026, with Germany driving heavy-duty momentum
Europe's zero-emission truck market continued to expand in the first half of 2026, with electric heavy truck registrations nearly doubling year-on-year. Germany emerged as the main growth engine, while medium-duty trucks maintained their upward trajectory despite showing signs of a slower adoption rate after several years of rapid expansion.
All the infographics, charts and diagrams are provided by the ICCT
The European market for zero-emission trucks continued to gain momentum during the first six months of 2026, although adoption rates remain markedly different between heavy- and medium-duty segments. According to the latest market monitor published by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), electric heavy trucks posted their strongest first-half performance to date, while medium-duty vehicles continued to grow at a more moderate pace after several years of rapid expansion.
Heavy-duty trucks continue to gain ground
Registrations of zero-emission heavy trucks (above 12 tonnes) reached around 3,400 units across the EU in the first half of 2026, up from about 1,900 a year earlier. Their market share increased from 1.4% to 2.3%, confirming that battery-electric trucks are steadily gaining traction, even if diesel still accounted for more than 95% of new registrations in the second quarter.
Germany was the main driver of this growth. While early-adopter markets such as the Netherlands and Denmark recorded a slowdown between the first and second quarter, Germany’s zero-emission heavy truck share climbed to 4.6%, supported by the country’s road-toll exemption for zero-emission trucks and CO₂-based charges for conventional vehicles.
Among manufacturers, Mercedes-Benz remained the leading player in the electric heavy truck segment thanks to the continued success of the eActros range. The report also highlights a significant increase in Iveco’s electric truck registrations, with nearly 100 S-eWay units sold in the second quarter after only single-digit quarterly sales previously. According to the ICCT, the increase may be linked to manufacturers’ efforts to comply with the first reporting period under the EU’s heavy-duty CO₂ standards.
Medium-duty growth slows but remains positive
The picture is different in the 3.5-12 tonne segment. Zero-emission medium-duty truck and van registrations increased by 15% year-on-year, reaching about 4,600 units and a market share of 21.1%, up from 19.4% in the first half of 2025.
However, the pace of growth has clearly moderated. After three consecutive years in which sales more than doubled annually, the market is entering a more mature phase. According to the ICCT, much of the slowdown reflects the evolution of the electric van market, while medium-duty trucks continue to electrify at a steadier rate. Germany and France remained among the strongest-performing markets, whereas Italy recorded a decline in its zero-emission market share over the period.
National policies remain a decisive factor
Beyond the registration figures, the report confirms that national policies continue to play a decisive role in accelerating zero-emission truck adoption. Germany’s strong performance contrasts with the more uneven progress seen across other European markets, highlighting how incentives, road charging schemes and regulatory measures are increasingly shaping manufacturers’ sales strategies and fleet purchasing decisions.
