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The report highlights that Europe has established one of the world’s most ambitious supply-side regulations for zero-emission trucks (ZETs). The CO2 standards require a 45% reduction in fleet-average emissions by 2030, implying a ZET share of around 35% by the end of the decade. This framework has the intended effect: manufacturers are investing heavily in new vehicle platforms, powertrains and production capacity, and a broad range of ZETs is already available.

However, although ZET registrations are growing, overall market uptake is still at an early stage. This indicates that the main challenge is no longer technology readiness but the pace at which demand can scale to match regulatory ambition. Demand is currently not keeping pace with supply-side requirements, as persistent TCO gaps, high upfront and operating costs, infrastructure and grid delays, and uneven implementation of EU legislation continue to slow ZET uptake.

While manufacturers face binding targets and the risk of penalties, incentives for transport operators and shippers remain weaker and fragmented. Alongside a strong focus on rolling out the enabling conditions for the sector’s transition, the report highlights targeted demand-side measures as important levers where the necessary conditions are already in place. Shippers’ procurement choices play a decisive role in shaping operators’ investment decisions. The strategic use of public procurement, through direct purchasing and procurement-linked requirements in publicly funded projects, can play a key role in creating demand for zero-emission transport services.

If demand-side measures catch up with the ambition of the CO2 standards, Europe can turn its regulatory framework into a self-reinforcing and globally competitive zero-emission truck market.

Read full report: https://smart-freight-centre-media.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/Accelerating_ZET_Deployment.pdf

A new report by the Smart Freight Centre (SFC) finds that while zero-emission trucks (ZETs) are available in Europe, their market uptake is lagging. Smart and coordinated demand-side measures should be considered to align with regulatory ambition.