Europe’s heavy-duty vehicle market continued its shift towards zero-emission technology in the first half of 2026. More than 14,300 zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles were registered across the European Union between January and June, around 40% more than during the same period in 2025.
The pace of adoption varied significantly between vehicle categories. Electric buses are already well established in many cities, while heavy trucks remain at an earlier stage of the transition.
<h3>Electric Trucks Gain Share</h3>
Zero-emission trucks weighing more than 3.5 tonnes accounted for 4.8% of new registrations in the first half of 2026, up from 3.8% a year earlier.
Among heavy trucks weighing more than 12 tonnes, the zero-emission share rose to 2.3%, compared with 1.4% in the first half of 2025. Around 3,400 zero-emission heavy trucks were registered during the first six months of 2026, up from roughly 1,900 a year earlier.
Germany, the Netherlands, France and Sweden were among the leading markets for battery-electric truck registrations by volume. Germany, in particular, continued to support growth in the heavy-truck segment.
<h3>Medium Vehicles Reach 21%</h3>
Electrification is considerably further advanced among medium trucks and vans weighing between 3.5 and 12 tonnes.
Battery-electric models accounted for about 21% of registrations in this category during the first half of 2026. Growth, however, slowed to around 15% year on year after several years in which sales had more than doubled annually.
The slowdown reflects differences within the category. Electric vans are moving closer to mainstream adoption, while medium-duty trucks continue to electrify more gradually.
<h3>Buses Remain the Leaders</h3>
Buses and coaches recorded the highest zero-emission share of any heavy-duty vehicle category. They accounted for around 28.6% of new registrations in the EU during the first half of 2026. A total of 6,425 zero-emission buses and coaches were registered during the period.
City buses moved even faster. Battery-electric models accounted for more than 60% of new city-bus registrations in the second quarter of 2026, the highest share recorded so far.
Italy played a major role in that growth, registering 1,792 zero-emission buses and coaches in the first half of the year. Iveco Bus became the EU’s leading zero-emission bus manufacturer during the period.
<h3>Manufacturers Expand Electric Ranges</h3>
Competition in the electric heavy-duty market is intensifying as manufacturers increase production and broaden their model ranges.
Iveco expanded deliveries of its electric eS-Way heavy truck, selling around 100 units in the second quarter after only limited volumes in previous years. The company also strengthened its position in the bus market, particularly through large deliveries in Italy.
The wider regulatory environment is adding pressure to the transition. Based on 2024 data, heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers had already achieved, on average, the EU’s 15% CO₂ reduction target scheduled for 2025.
The first half of 2026 shows a market developing at very different speeds. Electric city buses are becoming mainstream in several countries, medium vehicles have reached substantial market shares, and heavy trucks are beginning to build momentum from a much lower base. With registrations rising and manufacturers expanding their electric line-ups, the EU’s heavy-duty vehicle transition is clearly moving forward.
