Electric trucks may be much closer to becoming the new normal than many people think.
According to a new report from C40 Cities, the University of Exeter, and Arup, cities around the world have the power to speed up the switch from diesel trucks to cleaner electric vehicles.
If they take the right actions now, they could help cut pollution, improve air quality, and reduce dependence on oil.
Heavy-duty trucks make up less than 10% of the world’s commercial vehicles, but they are responsible for about one-quarter of all transport-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
As global trade continues to grow, the demand for freight transport is expected to double by 2050. This makes cleaning up the trucking industry an important part of fighting climate change.
Electric passenger cars have become much more common in recent years, but electric trucks have been slower to catch on.
In 2025, around 25% of new passenger cars sold worldwide were electric, compared with only 8% of new trucks.
The slower progress is mainly due to larger batteries, longer charging times, limited charging stations, and the need for stronger electricity grids to support heavy vehicles.
Despite these challenges, the report suggests the electric truck market is approaching a “tipping point.” This is the moment when a small amount of additional progress causes adoption to grow quickly on its own.
China is already leading the way. The country accounts for about 80% of the world’s electric truck sales.
In cities such as Beijing, the total cost of owning an electric truck has already become similar to that of a diesel truck. Researchers expect Beijing to have more electric trucks than diesel trucks within the next decade.
The study also examined six countries and found that strong action by city governments could help electric trucks become cost-competitive more than a year earlier than expected. The biggest benefits would be seen in larger trucks, where operating costs are currently much higher.
The report points out that making electric trucks affordable is only one part of the solution. Truck operators also need charging stations that are easy to access and vehicles that fit their daily business needs. Without reliable infrastructure and practical support, lower costs alone may not persuade companies to switch.
Cities can help by creating low-emission zones, building fast-charging hubs, developing electric freight routes, and giving electric trucks easier access to roads and charging facilities. The report found that these types of regulations often work better than financial incentives such as subsidies or carbon taxes, especially in places where electric trucks are still uncommon.
The study also highlights another important benefit. If diesel prices suddenly rise because of global events, electric trucks become much more attractive. Researchers found that a long-term 30% increase in diesel prices could move electric trucks to cost parity five to seven years sooner. A global shift to electric freight could also reduce oil demand by nearly five million barrels every day by 2030, roughly equal to India’s daily oil consumption.
The researchers believe cities can play a major role in this transition. By working together with national governments and industry, they can help create cleaner freight systems, strengthen energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve air quality for millions of people.
