Electrification is progressing, but diesel remains clearly dominant in heavy transport.

Although the electric truck gains prominence in the debate on the transportation decarbonization, its actual implementation on European roads continues to be very limitedThis is reflected in the latest data published by ACEA, which confirm that the Diesel remains, by a wide margin, the dominant technology. in heavy transport in Europe.

The energy transition is progressing unevenly across markets, with stark contrasts between countries in the north and south of the continent.

Spain: token electrification in a market dominated by diesel

On Spanish caseThe electrification of trucks is progressing at a very slow pace. 2025 enrolled just over 500 electric or plug-in hybrid trucks, compared to a total market close to 31.000 units.

In practice, this means that only a very small fraction of new registrations It incorporates electrical technology, while the Diesel accounts for practically the entire market, both in long-distance fleets and in regional applications.

A similar reality exists in the major European markets.

This pattern is not unique to Spain. In the main European countries, the diesel maintains a clearly hegemonic positioneven in those markets where the absolute volume of electric trucks is higher.

• Germany, It leads in the volume of electric truck registrations, but Over 90% of new trucks are still diesel.
• France It has a slightly higher electrical penetration than Spain, although it still far from being a majority alternative.
• Italy and Poland They register practically negligible figures, with electricity rates that barely reach or do not exceed 2%.

These data highlight that the electrification of heavy transport remains incipient in most of Europe.

Northern Europe sets the pace for electrification

Where a clearer evolution is observed is in some markets of northern Europe. Countries like Netherlands, Sweden o Denmark they already register double-digit electricity rates.

This progress is explained by:

• More aggressive public policies in the area of ​​decarbonization.
• Direct purchase subsidies of electric trucks.
• More developed charging infrastructure.
• Shorter average transport distances, in favor of electric autonomy.

Diesel remains essential in long-distance transport

Even in these more advanced markets, the diesel remains the most popular choiceThe difference is that their weight begins to decrease gradually, something that has not yet happened in the southern and eastern Europe.

In countries with large territorial extensions and a transport of long distance intensiveelectrification faces structural barriers, such as autonomy, acquisition costs and the Limited availability of charging infrastructure.

A slower transition than expected

ACEA data confirms that Truck electrification advancesBut it does so at a slower pace than expectedIn the short and medium term, the Diesel will continue to be the predominant technology. in European heavy transport, while the electric truck is gradually becoming established in very specific uses and specific markets.