NAIROBI, Kenya- The global transition to cleaner transport is entering a new phase as electric trucks gain unprecedented momentum, with commercial fleet operators increasingly replacing diesel-powered vehicles with battery-electric alternatives.
According to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Global EV Outlook 2026, global electric truck sales surpassed 400,000 units for the first time in 2025, more than doubling compared to the previous year.
Electric trucks also captured a record 9% share of new truck sales worldwide, highlighting growing confidence in zero-emission freight transport.
While electric passenger cars continue to dominate the broader electric vehicle (EV) market, the IEA says trucks are now among the fastest-growing segments as businesses prioritize lower operating costs, stricter emissions targets and long-term financial savings.
The report notes that battery-electric trucks now account for 97% of all zero-emission truck purchases globally, significantly outperforming hydrogen fuel-cell and hybrid alternatives.
Unlike private motorists, commercial fleet operators base purchasing decisions largely on operating costs and vehicle productivity.
The IEA says electric trucks have become increasingly attractive because they offer a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) over their lifetime, particularly for vehicles that cover long distances every day.
Although battery-electric trucks generally cost more to purchase upfront than diesel models, operators recover those costs through lower electricity bills, reduced maintenance expenses and fewer moving parts requiring repairs.
For companies managing dozens or even hundreds of trucks, those savings quickly accumulate, making electric fleets financially competitive despite their higher purchase price.
As battery technology improves and manufacturing scales up, the financial case for electrification continues to strengthen.
The IEA reports that battery pack prices have fallen by around 30% since 2020, significantly reducing the cost of manufacturing large commercial vehicles.
Battery prices have historically been the biggest barrier to widespread truck electrification because heavy-duty vehicles require much larger battery packs than passenger cars.
Lower battery costs have enabled manufacturers to introduce more affordable electric truck models while extending driving range and improving performance.
These developments have encouraged logistics firms, retailers, municipal authorities and industrial operators to accelerate the transition away from diesel-powered fleets.
According to the report, global sales of heavy freight trucks (HFTs) nearly tripled during 2025, reaching approximately 230,000 units.
Medium freight trucks also experienced strong momentum, with sales increasing by around 65% compared with the previous year.
China remains the world’s largest electric truck market by a considerable margin. The country accounted for the majority of global sales growth in 2025, supported by government incentives, expanding charging infrastructure and a mature domestic manufacturing industry.
In several heavy-duty tractor categories, electric trucks now account for more than 30% of new vehicle sales, making China the global leader in commercial vehicle electrification.
Chinese manufacturers have also benefited from lower battery production costs and established supply chains that enable them to produce electric trucks at increasingly competitive prices.
While Europe and North America continue to expand their electric truck markets, adoption remains well behind China’s pace.
Nevertheless, stricter emissions regulations and corporate sustainability commitments are expected to accelerate uptake across both regions over the coming years.
The IEA notes that commercial transport presents unique economic advantages for electrification. Because freight vehicles often travel hundreds of kilometres daily, operators spend substantial amounts on fuel and maintenance.
Replacing diesel with electricity significantly reduces energy costs while eliminating many routine maintenance requirements associated with internal combustion engines, including oil changes and complex engine repairs.
These savings shorten the payback period for electric trucks, allowing companies to recover their investment more quickly than private passenger vehicle owners.
The global shift toward electric trucking is also beginning to influence transport markets in Africa.
In Kenya, interest in electric commercial vehicles has grown as businesses search for ways to reduce operating costs amid fluctuating diesel prices.
Manufacturers such as Tata Motors have introduced battery-electric truck models to the Kenyan market, targeting logistics companies seeking cleaner and more affordable freight solutions.
Industry players have also begun piloting electric trucks for urban deliveries, warehousing operations and regional distribution, signalling the early stages of commercial adoption.
Although Africa’s electric truck market remains relatively small, analysts expect uptake to increase as charging infrastructure expands and vehicle prices continue falling.
Despite the impressive growth, the IEA warns that several barriers continue to slow wider adoption.
Charging infrastructure remains one of the biggest obstacles, particularly for long-haul freight operations.
Many logistics depots require significant electricity upgrades to support multiple high-capacity chargers, while public charging networks capable of serving heavy-duty trucks remain limited in many countries.
The industry is also working toward deploying Megawatt Charging Systems (MCS), which will dramatically reduce charging times for long-distance trucks.
Battery weight presents another challenge, as larger battery packs can reduce the amount of cargo a truck is legally allowed to carry.
Manufacturers, however, continue developing lighter batteries with higher energy density to address these concerns.
The IEA believes electric trucks will play a central role in reducing emissions from one of the world’s most polluting transport sectors.
