The decision to electrify is logical; almost inevitable. Yet saying goodbye to diesel is far from painless. Those who see the transition merely as adding electric trucks, while neglecting the phasing out of their diesel fleet, risk operational chaos: inefficiencies, reduced CO₂ savings, financial pressure, and a workforce left behind.
First, there’s capacity. Halting diesel operations too abruptly (or without a clear plan) can create bottlenecks. Some routes are not yet viable for electric trucks, and charging infrastructure remains patchy. The result is a mismatch between what must be delivered and what can be delivered, leading to detours, empty runs, underused facilities, and rising costs.
Then comes financial pressure. Investing in electric trucks requires substantial capital, as does building charging depots, upgrading power connections, and modernizing the energy infrastructure. Writing off diesel vehicles at the same time leaves little room for flexibility. Banks and investors are increasingly cautious,especially with uncertain residual values for electric trucks.
The Zero-Emission Truck Roadmap rightly emphasizes a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) approach: only by considering lifetime costs (including subsidies, maintenance, energy, and infrastructure) can operators design a smart exit strategy from diesel.
Human capital is another crucial factor. Drivers, mechanics, and planners know diesel technology inside out. They need time and training to adapt. Without proper education, change management, and inclusion, companies risk losing experienced staff—the very people who keep operations running smoothly.
A well-managed, fast, and painless phase-out starts with differentiated planning: determine which routes can electrify now and which must temporarily remain diesel. Secure working capital and subsidies, deploy intelligent charging systems, build in buffer capacity, and align responsibilities with customers, such as charging at shippers’ facilities.
This way, the phase-out of diesel becomes not a pitfall but a strategic leap forward. Those who phase out smartly will soon drive not just cleaner, but also sharper, stronger, and future-ready.
Walther Ploos van Amstel.