Electric trucks grow in France but remain rare

Electric trucks are becoming more common in France, but diesel vehicles still dominate the market. As of the end of September 2026, 797 heavy industrial trucks weighing more than 5.1 tonnes were registered, making up just 2.6% of all such vehicles. France has around 620,000 heavy trucks in total, but only 2,700 are electric, less than 0.5% of the fleet.

Charging infrastructure expands slowly

The limited range of electric trucks has been a major challenge, but newer models can now travel up to 500 kilometers on a single charge. As of September 2025, France had 191 operational truck charging stations and 157 compatible with heavy trucks, totaling 348. An additional 135 stations are planned. Across Europe, 2,405 charging points are spread over 373 sites in 21 countries, with France among the top countries in this regard.

High purchase prices slow adoption

Electric trucks are significantly more expensive than their diesel counterparts. A diesel truck costs about 80,000 euros, while an electric version costs 240,000 euros. However, government support has increased, with subsidies linked to energy savings certificates almost doubling by June 2026. These incentives can reduce the cost of an electric truck by up to 120,000 euros, depending on the programs involved.

Operational challenges beyond purchase

Switching to electric trucks involves more than just buying a vehicle. Companies must install charging stations, adjust routes, and train staff. Reliability, maintenance, and spare parts availability are also important. European manufacturers have established networks, but Chinese companies are emerging as competitors, potentially lowering prices if they can build trust in their support systems.

Clients and regulations drive change

Many transport companies are influenced by their clients, who increasingly prefer electric trucks to reduce indirect emissions. Some businesses require electric delivery vehicles to win contracts. European regulators are also pushing for lower CO₂ emissions, which could speed up the development of new electric models and encourage fleet updates. However, these factors are not yet enough to cause a major shift in the industry.

Favorable conditions slow but steady progress

According to Arnaud Villégier, conditions for electric trucks have improved significantly in recent years. With longer ranges, financial support, and lower energy costs, electricity is becoming more attractive. However, many companies are still hesitant, partly due to financial pressures similar to those during the pandemic. While some are already transitioning, others are waiting. The pace of electrification will vary depending on a company’s financial stability, route regularity, and access to private charging infrastructure.