A recent study by Équilibre des Énergies examines the decarbonisation of road freight transport and concludes that electric heavy-duty trucks are already technically and economically viable for certain uses, and are set to become a reference solution by 2030.
The report highlights rapid progress in vehicle range, charging infrastructure and battery costs, making large-scale deployment increasingly realistic. It also stresses that the main barriers are now economic, particularly for small transport operators facing high upfront costs and limited access to financing.
To support the transition, the study recommends public guarantee schemes to help smaller companies invest in electric trucks. It also highlights the role of biocarbon fuels and biogas as transitional solutions, while noting that limited biomass resources should be prioritised for sectors such as aviation and maritime transport.
The need for a clear policy framework combining purchase incentives, charging infrastructure rollout, and competitive electricity pricing is strongly emphasised.
In this context, Denis Choumert, Vice-President of the European Shippers’ Council, underlines the importance of dialogue between industry and policy think tanks, stating:
“Shippers’ organisations want to work with think tanks like Équilibre des Énergies which promote a balanced view on the use of different energy sources. Transport policies at EU and national level are pushing electrification of vehicles. They are also gradually reserving biomass fuels for maritime and especially aviation. This makes the balance a sensitive issue.”
Overall, the study reinforces that freight decarbonisation is now less a technological challenge than a policy and investment challenge, requiring coordinated action across energy, transport and industrial sectors.
For more information, please see here.
For the full study in French, please see here.