Electric Freight Surges in Europe and China; Ireland Lags with 0.1% Market Share in Q1
Electric freight is rapidly expanding globally, with zero-emission medium truck sales reaching 21% in Europe in 2025 and China seeing 29% of new heavy trucks as electric last year. Ireland significantly lags, with only 0.1% market share for electric heavy commercial vehicles in Q1. Despite falling battery costs and economic benefits, Ireland faces challenges in infrastructure and sector capacity.
The electrification of freight is rapidly advancing globally, particularly for medium-sized trucks and vans (below 12 tonnes). In 2025, zero-emissions medium truck and van sales reached a 21% share across Europe, doubling from 10% the previous year. Leading countries like the Netherlands, Sweden, and Denmark saw shares exceeding 60% in this segment. Additionally, 54% of new city buses in Europe are now fully electric.
Heavy trucks (over 12 tonnes) are electrifying slower, reaching less than 3% across Europe in 2025. However, China leads significantly, with 29% of all new heavy trucks sold last year being electric. Global electric truck sales grew by almost 80% in 2024, largely due to China. Denmark and the Netherlands are catching up, with electric heavy truck sales surging to about 16% and 14% of new sales respectively in late 2025, driven by strong policy and EU CO₂ standards.
Ireland, however, is severely lagging. In Q1 of this year, only one new electric heavy commercial vehicle was registered, representing a 0.1% market share. Despite Ireland's suitability for electric freight due to short driving distances, high domestic freight share, and renewable energy potential, progress is stagnant. Battery costs fell 45% last year, and electric vehicles offer cheaper running costs, offsetting higher upfront prices within five years, especially with new government grants up to €500,000 annually.
Key barriers in Ireland include the fragmented haulage sector's limited investment capacity and a lack of high-powered charging infrastructure. Other countries offer solutions: the Netherlands uses zero-emission freight zones, and China implemented a scrappage scheme, leading to a 50% market share for electric heavy trucks by December last year, supported by an extensive charging network and competitive supply chain. Removing these barriers is crucial for Ireland to benefit from the electric road transport future.