A diesel price spike tied to this year's Iran conflict has pushed electric trucks below diesel models on total cost in six major European Union markets, environmental group Transport & Environment says. Operators in the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark can recoup the higher purchase price within about two years, and Chinese-built electric trucks widen the savings further.
Electric trucks now cost less to own and run than diesel models in six major EU markets, after this year's Iran conflict pushed diesel prices higher, environmental advocacy group Transport & Environment said in an analysis published Monday. The six markets account for almost half of the bloc's new truck sales.
Diesel costs tip the balance toward electric
T&E examined total cost of ownership across nine EU countries. It found electric trucks already cheaper to run than diesel models in the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, France and Belgium, markets that make up 46% of EU heavy-truck registrations. The group said rising diesel prices following this year's Iran-linked oil price spike strengthened the business case for electrification.
Electric trucks bought in 2026 generate savings over five years of up to €100,000, or $113,910, in the Netherlands, €85,000 in Germany and €69,000 in Denmark compared with diesel vehicles. In those markets, operators can recoup the initial price premium in around two years. Still, Europe's electric truck transition has been slowed by high purchase prices and patchy charging infrastructure.
Chinese-built trucks widen the gap
T&E estimated a Chinese-built electric truck costs about €210,000, against €265,000 for a European equivalent. In Germany, operators could save an additional €34,000 over five years by choosing a Chinese-made truck instead of a European one. Reuters reported earlier this year that truckmakers Daimler Truck, Volvo Group and Traton's Scania were bracing for a wave of lower-cost Chinese competitors, with some Chinese electric trucks expected to be priced about 30% below comparable European models.
Source: Investing.com
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