by Walther Ploos van Amstel
A new McKinsey report by Matthias Kässer, Tobias Schneiderbauer and Henrik Becker delivers a sobering reality check for anyone tracking freight decarbonization in Europe: despite nine years of model launches and more than 45 zero-emission (ZE) truck models now on the market, new registrations of ZE trucks remained below 5 percent as of 2025. That’s …
What competencies should a transport and warehousing professional in a logistics service company have when designing, organizing, and managing energy systems (hardware and data) for the electricification of freight? Strategic, tactical, and operational questions in charging infrastructure Companies will be electrifying their fleets in the years ahead. How do you prepare for that as a …
Europe’s transition to zero-emission trucks (ZETs) has reached a decisive phase. While EU CO₂ standards for heavy-duty vehicles are among the most ambitious globally, the pace of real-world deployment still lags what is needed to meet the 2030 target of roughly 35% zero-emission truck sales. The Smart Freight Centre report, with contributions from ACEA and …
The European truck industry stands at a critical turning point. Transitioning to zero-emission (ZE) trucks is no longer just a climate ambition. It has become central to preserving the sector’s long-term competitiveness. McKinsey identifies three interlinked pillars that must advance together: a competitive and broad ZE-truck offering, a robust charging and refueling infrastructure, and enabling …
The debate surrounding the Total Cost of Ownership of electric trucks typically revolves around one question: when will electric driving be as cost-effective as diesel? But that’s not the real contest. The actual competitive battle is about energy parity: who drives on cheap, reliable electricity and who doesn’t. That’s where a divide is emerging that …
According to the latest EAFO data, pure-electric drive continued to widen its lead in April 2025. In the passenger-car segment (M1), battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 15.27% of new registrations, nearly double the 8.69% share held by plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Liquified petroleum gas (LPG) vehicles chipped in 2.92%, while compressed natural gas (CNG) and fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) …
In mid-2026, the Netherlands will implement a truck toll system for all motorways, several national roads (N-roads), and certain local roads near major cities. The toll will affect all trucks over 3.5 tons, regardless of whether they have a Dutch or foreign license plate. A key part of this policy is the revenue recycling scheme, …
A new research paper examines the views of 35 local authorities in England on potential solutions for decarbonizing last-mile parcel deliveries, focusing on the perceived challenges and drivers of implementation. Using co-design and participatory methods, the study engaged stakeholders with diverse expertise in a back-casting process to develop actionable strategies for reducing emissions. The proposed …
Electrification offers a promising pathway for decarbonizing the road freight transport system. Assessing the impact of electrification on the road freight transport system requires understanding the dynamics from a system-level perspective. Isolated technical or financial analyses, such as comparing the total cost of ownership between electric and diesel trucks, are helpful but only reflect limited …
Logistics emissions from freight and warehousing contribute to at least 7% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Addressing these emissions is essential for any company aiming for net zero as part of a comprehensive environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy. McKinsey reports about it. Market for green logistics The focus on green logistics will translate into …