Abstract:

The European Heavy-Duty Vehicle Market Development Quarterly (January–March 2025) by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) examines first-quarter 2025 trends in the European Union's heavy-duty vehicle (HDV) market, with a focus on the transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). Despite a 20% year-on-year decline in the overall HDV market, sales of zero-emission HDVs increased by 45%, reaching approximately 4,100 units. Growth was led by light and medium-duty trucks, whose zero-emission market share doubled to 18%, while zero-emission buses and coaches also expanded significantly. Sales of zero-emission heavy trucks rose more modestly to 850 units, representing 1.5% of the segment, with Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Sweden accounting for most registrations. The report highlights that upcoming EU carbon dioxide standards for heavy trucks, effective from July 2025, are expected to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission heavy trucks. Overall, the findings indicate that although the European HDV market contracted in early 2025, the shift toward vehicle electrification continued to gain momentum, driven by supportive policies, expanding manufacturer offerings, and increasing demand in key markets.