Electric trucks currently account for approximately 5–6% of new registrations, and their market in Europe is worth more than €4 billion, growing at a double-digit rate each year. On the other hand, the purchase price of an electric tractor-trailer is still two to three times higher than that of a conventional diesel model. At the same time, alternative fuels such as HVO, LNG, and hydrogen are entering the market, with hydrogen technologies in particular recording growth of up to around 40% annually. For international freight transport, it is no longer a question of whether this will change, but how quickly road transport and the vehicle fleet will adapt to it…
Where is long-haul electric trucking already fully feasible?
In Western Europe, it is evident that international electric trucking is not just a vision for the future, but a model that is already in operation. A concrete example is a test run conducted by MAN, which sent an electric tractor-trailer on a route of approximately 1,000 kilometers from Paris to Berlin. It passed through four countries (France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany) and utilized the public network of charging stations. Thus, the project was not carried out in a controlled environment, but under conditions that correspond to the everyday practice of transport companies.
Electric trucks: the reality in other european countries in 2026
In countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, and France, international electric freight transport has already moved from the testing phase to practical implementation. Carriers there have access to a more extensive infrastructure and clearer conditions for route planning. In Slovakia and neighboring countries, the situation is different for now. While electrification is progressing, its use is still limited mainly to shorter routes and urban logistics.
Where does electricity work?
- short-distance deliveries within cities,
- regional routes of up to 300–400 km,
- regular routes returning to the depot.
It is precisely in these segments that an electric vehicle fleet already makes economic and operational sense—even under our conditions.
Where does electricity reach its limits?
- long-distance international freight transport,
- insufficient charging infrastructure,
- high initial investment costs.
The main difference compared to Western Europe is that the first functional corridors for long-distance transport are already being established there, whereas in our region, the infrastructure does not yet systematically support this type of traffic.
From the carrier’s perspective, the key point is that electrification is changing the way the fleet is planned. It is no longer just about choosing a vehicle, but about a combination of factors:
- charging availability,
- route planning,
- load optimization.
Infrastructure: the biggest obstacle to development
Without infrastructure, even the best technology remains untapped. This is precisely where the trucking today faces the greatest disparity between Western Europe and our region.
Hlavné bariéry:
- a shortage of high-power chargers,
- insufficient capacity of the power grid,
- lengthy permitting processes.
In Western Europe, these barriers are gradually being removed. Countries are investing in charging corridors and supporting the development of infrastructure for heavy-duty trucks. In Slovakia and neighboring countries, however, the following still holds true:
- charging corridors are not continuous,
- coverage outside the main routes is limited,
- route planning is significantly more complex than with diesel.
Electric solutions for long-haul international trucking remain limited in our region for now. This is primarily due to infrastructure, not technology.
Other options for international trucking
HVO, LNG, and biofuel: a quick solution without a revolution
Alongside electrification, the importance of so-called transition fuels is growing. For many companies, they are currently a more practical option than electric vehicles.
HVO (hydrogenated vegetable oil)
- compatible with existing diesel engines,
- minimal investment in the vehicle fleet,
- immediate reduction in emissions.
LNG and bioLNG (liquefied natural gas and its bio-based version)
- suitable for long-distance freight transport,
- lower emissions than diesel,
- dependence on infrastructure.
These solutions have one key advantage: they do not require a complete overhaul of the fleet. For smaller companies, this is often the only economically viable option.
Hydrogen: the technology of the future for long-distance routes?
Hydrogen is often referred to as a “game changer” for international trucking, and there are very specific reasons for this.
Key advantages:
- fast refueling (comparable to diesel),
- long range,
- lighter than batteries.
Current status:
- testing in real-world conditions,
- high fuel production costs,
- minimal infrastructure.
Unfortunately, hydrogen is still not a solution for today, but merely a pipe dream for the future.
The economy: a decisive factor for road transport
Regardless of whether it’s diesel, electricity, HVO, or hydrogen, in practice, one factor always makes the difference: the economic return on operation. Technology alone is not enough. For transport companies, the key factors are the cost per kilometer driven, the investment costs for the fleet, and the stability of overall operating expenses.
A comparison in practice
| Drive type | Initial investment | Operating costs | Suitability |
| Diesel | low | high | versatile |
| Electricity | high | low | regional transportation |
| HVO | low | medium | immediate solution |
| Hydrogen | very high | high | future |
The trend today is clear: companies are not switching to a single solution, but are combining technologies. For a modern fleet, this means:
- a hybrid mix of drive systems,
- optimization based on the type of job,
- flexibility.
The future: diversification instead of a single winner
The biggest myth still circulating in the transportation industry today is the notion of a single dominant solution. However, the reality in 2026 is different:
- electricity → cities and regions,
- HVO → interim solution,
- LNG → specific segments,
- hydrogen → long-distance routes in the future.
The trucking industry is not undergoing a revolutionary transformation, but rather a gradual one—which makes it all the more challenging to respond effectively. Modern international trucking will rely on the right mix of technologies. An efficient fleet will be a competitive advantage, not the norm.
Sources:
10 tezí o bezpečnosti a budoucích příležitostech v evropské silniční nákladní přepravě
Zero-emission trucks in Europe – the road so far | T&E
Which alternative fuel is best for your truck?
Hydrogen Trucks Market Trends, Share and Forecast, 2026-2033
