Iberdrola | bp pulse warns: eTruck market share drops from 1% to 0.5% amid lack of incentives

“The energy transition can be subsidised, but not without clear measures. It needs a defined timeframe to allow transport operators and distributors to start using fully electric transport,” warns Jesús López Martínez, Head of Network Growth at Iberdrola | bp pulse.

Speaking at the latest Mobility Portal Europe virtual summit, the executive highlighted a key difference between 2023 and 2024:

“The first year ended with a 1% market share for electric trucks, and the next with 0.5%. The difference was that in 2023 the MOVES MITMA plan was in full swing. In 2024 it was under review, and in 2025… I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but things look a bit complicated,” he anticipates.

The concern, shared across the sector, is not a critique of the technology, but rather the lack of continuity and predictability in public support.

“In the long term, the total cost of ownership (TCO) of an electric truck will be lower than its diesel alternative, but right now an electric truck costs 2.5 to 3 times more than a diesel one.”

That is why, he insists, “we still need that little push provided by incentives.”

As a reminder, the MOVES MITMA programme, aimed at the decarbonisation of truck and bus fleets, ended on 30 April 2024, and there is still no confirmation on whether it will be extended.

However, incentives alone are not enough. Companies require much more than financial support to make the shift.

“The point is that companies wanting to make the leap —and who see the opportunity in electrification— need an appropriate ecosystem,” he stresses.

That ecosystem must include a charging infrastructure tailored to the intensive use of heavy-duty transport, as well as a coherent and stable regulatory framework.

“It’s not just about the company’s willingness. They need legal certainty to invest — they need to know that what is approved today won’t change tomorrow,” he argues.

From his experience, the biggest hurdle is not always technical, but rather bureaucratic.

Permits, administrative processes, grid access and connection times are recurring issues for companies such as Iberdrola | bp pulse.

“It’s not just a matter of the grid operator — it’s also about regulation. What is required of energy companies, how those investments are remunerated, and whether there are incentives to speed up the process,” points out López Martínez.

Inside Iberdrola | bp pulse’s eMobility projects

Despite the challenges, the company continues to push forward with its electrification plans.

It is currently working on projects to electrify logistics corridors, such as the partnership with Disfrimur, aiming to complete fully electric freight routes.

One such route —Murcia to Valencia— is already operational. However, the executive cautions that adoption depends on proper planning.

Another key focus is on cutting-edge charging technologies, exemplified by the launch of Southern Europe’s first public MCS (Megawatt Charging System), located in Sangonera la Seca, at Disfrimur’s logistics base.

The high-power charging unit, manufactured by Power Electronics, is powered by 100% renewable energy and backed by a guarantee of origin certificate.

The charger can deliver up to 1,440 kW, enabling an 80% battery charge in just 30 minutes.

Focus on the Megawatt Charging System

“The MCS is a revolutionary technology that will enable ultra-fast charging for electric trucks,” López Martínez explains.

Although not yet fully standardised, Iberdrola | bp pulse has already begun testing prototypes in collaboration with vehicle manufacturers, while awaiting the finalisation of international standards.

The main advantage of MCS is its compatibility with mandatory driver rest periods, as regulated by EU law.

“The key is that this technology allows recharging within 30 to 45 minutes — just enough to continue the journey while taking the legally required rest break,” he notes.

He adds:

“We are designing projects that incorporate MCS from the initial planning stages, ensuring the technology is ready when needed.”

In parallel, the company is also progressing with the deployment of charging stations, including those already operational in Murcia, Alicante, Valencia and Mercavalencia, as well as others in development along the Northern Motorway and at the Portuguese border.

Given this context, the executive emphasises that the strategy continues with a clear focus on network capillarity, ensuring the presence of charging hubs along long-distance routes and key logistics centres.

“Installation processes can take two to three years, depending on the project’s complexity. That’s why we are prioritising the adaptation of existing sites to enable truck charging,” he notes.

“We started in 2022 with the first truck-specific charging stations. Now, with the new company, we’re merging strategies to optimise infrastructure,” concludes Jesús López Martínez, Head of Network Growth at Iberdrola | bp pulse.