The end of the MITMA Moves Plan on April 30, 2024 put a stop to the expansion of heavy electric transport in the national territory.
This is how Carlos Espada, Zero Emissions Business Development Manager at DAF Trucks, expresses it to Mobility Portal España.
“Without subsidies, it is not possible to achieve the profitability that customers are looking for,” he says.
He added: “Currently, the market for industrial electric vehicles represents only 0.5 % compared to diesel vehicles.”
Moreover, according to the latest data published by AEDIVE and GANVAM, registrations of electrified heavy industrial vehicles in 2024 registered a drop of 7.1% compared to 2023.
“We have reached a standstill and it will take time to regain our rhythm,” warns Espada.
This delay in the expansion of electromobility in the sector contrasts with the regulatory pressure from the European Union, which sets ambitious targets for the decarbonisation of transport.
The regulations stipulate that, for this year, CO2 emissions from heavy trucks weighing more than 16 tonnes must be reduced by 15%.
The regulation also provides for a 45% reduction from 2030, 65% from 2035 and 90% from 2040.
“It is contradictory, since, on the one hand, certain objectives are required to be met, while, on the other, the available aid is reduced,” says Espada.
In this regard, he stressed that not only manufacturers, but all the actors involved, require support and encouragement from the Government to be able to meet the requirements established by the EU.
“If the costs are to be borne by businesses or consumers, it will be very difficult to achieve these goals,” he says.
What is DAF Trucks’ commitment to in this context?
Despite the uncertain outlook, there is still demand for electric industrial vehicles in Spain.
Espada explains that the country has favorable conditions for electromobility, although the orographic characteristics and the lack of charging infrastructure make its mass adoption difficult.
DAF Trucks has been investing in the eMobility sector since 2018, when the market began to demand zero-emission solutions.
It currently offers models with ranges of up to 500 kilometres and lithium-iron phosphate battery technology.
“We were the first European manufacturers to launch a 100% electric truck onto the market, developed from scratch,” Espada explains.
This allowed them to optimize resources and spaces, as well as obtain competitive advantages.
How? “By improving the powertrain to reduce consumption and, consequently, increase autonomy,” he says.
And not only that.
According to the company representative, they have also been the first to incorporate batteries with lithium-iron phosphate technology into industrial vehicles.
This set a trend that other manufacturers have been adopting in their developments, consolidating itself as one of the advances that DAF Trucks has introduced to the market.
This technology is not only more sustainable, but also more durable, as it supports a greater number of charging cycles over time, and provides greater safety.
DAF electric trucks currently support charging of up to 325 kW, allowing for optimised refuelling times without affecting battery performance.
When will diesel and electric costs be equal?
According to Espada, the cost equality between electric and diesel trucks could be achieved by 2030, provided the market continues to develop.
“Greater demand means greater production and, therefore, lower costs,” he explains.
However, there will also be external factors that will accelerate this process.
“Fossil fuel vehicles will face greater tax restrictions, driving bans and limitations in urban areas,” he said.
This will lead companies to re-evaluate their profitability and opt for more sustainable alternatives.
“It is a question of supply and demand, but also of adequate incentives to facilitate the transition,” he concludes.
