The rapid rise of electric logistics fleets worldwide is transforming the transportation sector. According to International Energy Agency (IEA) statistics, electric van sales grew by 35% in 2023 compared to 2022. This trend is driven by both proactive environmental policies and corporate commitments to reduce costs and meet emissions targets. However, significant differences exist in electrification progress between short-haul and long-haul transportation.
Long-distance transport requires more frequent charging, making the expansion of charging infrastructure particularly crucial. This necessity is pushing industries to explore innovative solutions to meet growing demand. Yet, delivering sufficient power to charging stations and managing associated costs remain the most significant challenges for fleet electrification.
Professor David Cebon of Mechanical Engineering at Cambridge University notes that road transport accounts for 12.2% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, highlighting the positive climate impact of electrification. Consequently, many companies are making concerted efforts to accelerate the transition.
The Logistics Trend Radar ranked electrification as the 13th most significant trend of 2023, with 17% of logistics decision-makers considering it relevant to their operations. The fashion and lifestyle sector showed the highest adoption rate at 24%, while perishable goods industries trailed at just 10%. With commercial trucks averaging ten times the annual mileage of passenger vehicles, decarbonizing heavy-duty trucks presents particular complexities.
The Global EV Outlook 2024 report reveals China maintains dominance in electric truck sales, accounting for 70% of global volume in 2023—though down from 85% in 2022. European electric truck sales nearly tripled, surpassing 10,000 units. The United States also saw threefold growth, but reached only 1,200 units, representing less than 0.1% of total truck sales, indicating substantial room for expansion.
Logistics companies continue facing challenges including power supply costs for charging equipment and lengthy grid connection wait times—some are even considering relocating warehouses closer to power sources. Addressing these issues requires active collaboration between logistics firms and distribution network operators (DNOs), alongside crucial coordination among governments, regulators, and private enterprises.
Electric fleet adoption promises significant benefits: reducing GHG emissions, improving air quality, and decreasing noise pollution. While electric trucks currently excel in short-haul applications, advancements in battery technology and charging infrastructure will gradually enable their deployment in long-distance freight transport.
