Iran-linked diesel spike makes electric trucks cheaper in key EU markets, says T&E

A surge in diesel prices linked to this year’s Iran conflict has helped make electric trucks cheaper to own and operate than diesel models in six major European Union markets, which account for almost half of the bloc’s new truck sales, according to an analysis by Brussels-based environmental advocacy group Transport & Environment.

The report, published on Monday, found that electric trucks purchased in 2026 generate savings over five years of up to €100,000 ($113,910) in the Netherlands, €85,000 in Germany and €69,000 in Denmark compared with diesel vehicles. In those markets, operators can recoup the initial price premium in around two years.

T&E said rising diesel prices following this year’s Iran-linked oil price spike strengthened the business case for electrification. Europe’s electric truck transition has been slowed by high purchase prices and patchy charging infrastructure.

The report examined total cost of ownership in nine EU countries. It found that electric trucks were already cheaper to operate than diesel models in the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, France and Belgium, markets accounting for 46 per cent of EU heavy-truck registrations.

Reuters reported earlier this year that European truckmakers such as Daimler Truck, Volvo Group and Traton’s Scania were bracing for a wave of lower-cost Chinese competitors, with some Chinese electric trucks expected to be priced about 30 per cent below comparable European models.

T&E estimated a Chinese-built electric truck costs about €210,000, versus €265,000 for a European equivalent. In Germany, operators could save an additional €34,000 over five years by choosing a Chinese-made electric truck.

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