News

The push for electric vehicles (EVs) in the trucking sector has never been stronger. With major corporations like Amazon and Walmart heavily investing in electric heavy-duty trucks, the industry is seeing a significant increase in adoption.

• Amazon’s Record Investment: The company recently announced the UK’s largest electric truck fleet order, including over 140 Mercedes-Benz and Volvo trucks capable of handling loads up to 40 tonnes. This move is part of a $300 million commitment to decarbonizing its logistics operations.
• Tesla Semi Expansion: Tesla has expanded production of its Semi, with PepsiCo, FedEx, and Walmart among the first companies to integrate these vehicles into their supply chains.
• Daimler and Volvo’s Push: Both manufacturers continue to roll out new electric models with increased battery range and fast-charging capabilities.

Challenges: While electric trucking is growing, limited charging infrastructure remains a major hurdle. Many fleet operators are struggling with high upfront costs and a lack of widespread charging networks to support long-haul operations.

Hydrogen-powered trucking was once seen as the future of green logistics. However, 2025 has exposed several obstacles slowing down its adoption.

• Nikola’s Bankruptcy: One of the most well-known hydrogen truck startups, Nikola, recently filed for bankruptcy due to financial struggles and production setbacks. This has raised concerns about the viability of hydrogen-powered trucking as a scalable solution. (WSJ)
• Limited Hydrogen Infrastructure: Hydrogen refueling stations remain sparse, making it difficult for fleets to rely on this technology for long-haul freight.
• Cost Barriers: Hydrogen trucks and their fuel remain expensive compared to battery-electric alternatives.

Despite these setbacks, companies like Toyota and Hyundai continue to develop hydrogen-powered trucks, focusing on fleet applications that require rapid refueling times.

Government policies play a crucial role in accelerating or slowing down green trucking initiatives.

• New York’s Clean Truck Mandate in Jeopardy: Democratic lawmakers are calling for a delay in Governor Kathy Hochul’s Advanced Clean Trucks rule, which mandates increased sales of zero-emission trucks starting in 2025. Critics argue the industry lacks the necessary charging infrastructure and that implementation may be unrealistic.
• Federal Incentives for Green Trucking: The Biden administration continues to offer incentives for electric and hydrogen truck adoption, including tax credits and infrastructure investments.
• EU’s Green Logistics Laws: In Europe, strict emissions regulations are pushing logistics companies toward alternative energy solutions, with significant fines for those failing to comply.

While regulations help push the industry toward sustainability, inconsistent implementation and high compliance costs remain challenges for small and mid-sized carriers.

Countries worldwide are ramping up efforts to promote green logistics:

• India’s LNG Trucking Boom: Blue Energy Motors, an Indian startup, plans to raise $100 million to scale up its liquefied natural gas (LNG) truck production. LNG is emerging as a viable bridge solution between diesel and fully electric trucking.
• Scania’s Charging Network Expansion: Swedish truckmaker Scania aims to install 40,000 electric truck chargers by 2030 to accelerate adoption.

The competition between battery-electric, LNG, and hydrogen solutions remains fierce, with different regions favoring different technologies based on infrastructure and energy costs.

One of the biggest obstacles to widespread green trucking adoption is infrastructure.

• Charging Networks Lag Behind: Despite increasing investment, charging stations for heavy-duty electric trucks are still limited along major freight corridors.
• High Grid Demand: As more companies switch to electric trucks, concerns are growing about the strain on power grids, especially in areas already facing energy shortages.
• Slow Government Action: While funding for infrastructure projects exists, slow permitting processes and bureaucratic red tape delay development.

Without significant improvements in infrastructure, the growth of green trucking could stall despite strong market demand.

Looking ahead, the trucking industry will continue its transition toward sustainability, but progress will be uneven.

• Increased Collaboration: More public-private partnerships will emerge to build out charging and hydrogen fueling networks.
• Improved Battery Technology: Next-generation batteries with longer ranges and faster charging capabilities will make electric trucking more viable for long-haul freight.
• Autonomous and Green Trucks Converge: Self-driving electric trucks could become a game-changer for long-haul logistics by improving efficiency and reducing costs.

Despite challenges, the trucking industry remains committed to reducing emissions and embracing new energy solutions. Companies that proactively invest in green logistics today will likely gain a competitive advantage as regulations tighten and fuel costs fluctuate.

The shift toward green energy in trucking and logistics is no longer just an idea—it’s happening. While 2025 has seen major advancements in electric truck adoption and green energy investments, hurdles like infrastructure, cost, and regulatory uncertainty remain.

For businesses in logistics and freight transportation, staying ahead of these trends will be critical. Whether it’s investing in alternative-fuel vehicles, adapting to new regulations, or advocating for better infrastructure, the road to a greener trucking industry is being paved now.

The big question remains: Will the industry move fast enough to meet climate goals and economic demands, or will green trucking remain a niche solution for years to come? Only time will tell.