According to the figures published by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), a significant increase in registrations of heavy electric vehicles was observed in 2023.

Specifically, there was a growth of 234.1 per cent, reaching a total of 5,279 units.

Thus, eTrucks now represent 1.5 per cent of the market, a notable advancement compared to the previous year’s 0.8 per cent.

Meanwhile, new registrations of eBuses increased by 39.1 per cent, reaching 5,166 units, with a market share of 15.9 per cent.

Hybrid-electric vehicles experienced a growth of 115.1 per cent with a market share of 12.8 per cent.

Below, Mobility Portal Europe presents the Top 5 sales of heavy electric vehicles in the European Union.

1. Germany

In 2023, 20,000 electric trucks were registered in the country, accounting for approximately 7.5 per cent of the market share.

This number also includes simple vans for urban delivery traffic.

Despite being a leader in eTruck sales in the EU, there are concerns about the German market in 2024.

This is due to the recent cancellation of the financing program for these types of vehicles, with no signs of reactivation at the moment.

From the industry, they hope that, if this incentive does not continue, a new one will be launched with fewer bureaucratic procedures.

Meanwhile, the market for electric buses, according to Chatrou CME Solutions statistics, grew by 20 per cent last year, totaling 753 units.

Daimler, MAN, and Ebusco secured top positions.

2. The Netherlands

A total of 16,138 new heavy commercial vehicles were registered, a 21 per cent increase compared to 2022 (13,289), as reported by the RAI Association.

The number of registered electric heavy commercial vehicles has even multiplied by ten in 2023, with 1,148 units, ranging from trucks to cleaning vehicles.

The increase in eTrucks can be partly explained by entrepreneurs preparing for Zero Emission Urban Areas legislation coming into effect on January 1, 2025.

This means that entrepreneurs are investing in sustainable mobility.

To sustain this growth, urgent investment in a reliable and sufficiently capacitated charging infrastructure is necessary to meet demand.

Preparing the power grid to avoid collapse is also a concern in the Netherlands.

3. Sweden

According to Mobility Sweden, heavy trucks weighing 16 tons or more increased by approximately 21 per cent during the year, reaching 6,620.

Of the newly registered trucks, 4.3 per cent were electric, compared to 2.7 per cent in 2022.

For electrification to take off now, there is a need for continuous expansion of charging infrastructure.

It is also essential to push forward the government’s announced support program.

Meanwhile, new registrations of light trucks amounted to 43,703, an increase of around 27 per cent compared to 2023.

Of these, the proportion of EVs increased from around 15 to around 20 per cent.

It is expected that the proportion of electric light trucks will continue in a positive direction and reach a share of 30 per cent in 2024.

On the other hand, the proportion of eBuses was around 28 per cent, representing an increase from 21 per cent in 2022.

4. Norway

According to the figures from the Road Traffic Information Council (OFV), 12.3 per cent of all new trucks last year were electric.

More than 1,100 eTrucks currently operate on Norwegian roads.

In this way, a total of 704 eVehicles were sold in 2023, double that of 2022 and 11 times more than in 2021.

The eBus market also grows significantly with over 300 registrations in the last year.

5. France

Registrations of electric trucks nearly tripled in 2023 compared to 2022, showing a growth of 273 per cent with 508 units sold.

On the other hand, eBus registrations recorded a 25 per cent decline, with 408 registrations.

To boost this market, a CEE (Energy Saving Certificates) form was created in late December 2023.

This is intended for the purchase or lease of new electric coaches or buses, as well as the electric modernization of units.

This system allows coach operators to obtain financing from an energy certificate “obligor.”

This funding can be combined with other aids because it does not come from public funds.