Norway officially introduced its first electric Scania 45 S truck fleet, with me serving as the operator of the inaugural vehicle. Today, we operate four of these electric trucks.
The world is witnessing an accelerated transition from diesel-powered to electric heavy-duty trucks, a trend that is particularly prominent in China, the largest market for such vehicles globally.
In the first half of 2025, China saw a staggering 175% year-over-year increase in sales of battery electric trucks, accounting for 25% of all new truck sales. This surge is largely driven by stringent emissions regulations, sustainability goals, and advancements in electric vehicle (EV) technology.
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) truck sales, on the other hand, have taken a dip, with a 15% drop in the first half of 2025 due to rising LNG prices and limited refueling infrastructure.
One of the key advantages of electric trucks is their operational cost. After one million kilometers, electric trucks cost 15% less to operate than diesel trucks, thanks to lower electricity costs and high diesel prices.
The Scania 45S electric truck, a leading model in the market, can be charged during a 45-minute break period and has yet to show any range difference in temperatures as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit. When driving at 110k lbs., the Scania 45S has a range of 124-136 miles, but can go 186 miles or more before needing to charge when not fully loaded.
Truck drivers are embracing electric power, especially with the expansion of charging networks along key industrial corridors. Electric heavy trucks are predicted to represent 70% to 80% of all new truck sales within two to three years, according to Sany, China's second-best-selling electric truck manufacturer.
China's heavy-duty electric truck market benefits from large-scale production capabilities, with companies like BYD leading the market through integrated battery and vehicle manufacturing. This scale allows China to deploy electric trucks rapidly, helping reduce urban air pollution and dependency on diesel fuel.
The Chinese government offers subsidies of up to $13,264 for new electric trucks, and most of these vehicles are used for short-haul routes in industrial hubs like ports, steel mills, and mining operations.
The shift towards electric heavy-duty trucks is not limited to China. Companies like Porter Electric, Daimler/Freightliner, Peterbuilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, Volvo, and several Chinese brands also have real battery EV trucks on the road. In Norway, for instance, the lack of truck-specific chargers is offset by the truck's ability to fit into many car charging spaces due to its ability to unhitch the trailer quickly.
This global transition has significant implications for the environment. The trucking sector, historically a major source of diesel emissions, is expected to see a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollutants as a result of electrification. Electrification also promotes energy efficiency and can lower operational costs for fleet operators over time, despite higher upfront vehicle costs.
However, challenges remain, such as total cost of ownership, charging infrastructure availability, battery technology advancement, and managing the environmental impact of battery production and disposal.
The rapid shift to battery electric trucks in China has taken analysts by surprise and forced a downward revision of diesel demand forecasts. Companies like Teld have constructed more than 2,400 truck charging stations and recently launched an 500-mile corridor linking Shanxi and Shandong.
In conclusion, the global transition from diesel to electric heavy-duty trucks is driven by regulatory, technological, and environmental forces, with China playing a pivotal role due to its manufacturing leadership and supportive policies. This shift is already reshaping freight and logistics industries by advancing cleaner, quieter, and more efficient trucking solutions worldwide.
- The trend towards electric trucks is not limited to China, as companies in the finance sector, such as Porter Electric, Daimler/Freightliner, Peterbuilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, Volvo, and several Chinese brands, are also investing in real battery electric trucks.
- In the lifestyle sector, electrification of heavy-duty trucks promotes energy efficiency and can lower operational costs for fleet operators over time, despite higher upfront vehicle costs.
- With the expansion of charging networks along key industrial corridors, transportation industries are adapting to electric power, making truck drivers more receptive to electric vehicles.
- Technology plays a crucial role in the energy sector, as advancements in electric vehicle (EV) technology, such as battery technology and charging infrastructure, are driving the transition from diesel to electric heavy-duty vehicles.
