Diesel Remains Heavy Haulage King: Daimler Truck Q3 Sales Surge 26% While Electric HGVs Fall 28%

Daimler Truck’s latest Q3 financial disclosures reveal that group vehicle sales jumped 26% to 91,260 units, driven by heavy diesel fleet replacements across Europe and continued demand for reliable long-haul transport solutions. In contrast, battery-electric truck sales dropped 28%, highlighting the ongoing challenges facing the transition to zero-emission freight transport.

With payload restrictions, limited charging infrastructure, and sparse megawatt charging stations along major long-distance corridors, commercial hauliers are increasingly prioritising operational flexibility, vehicle availability, and cost efficiency. For many transport operators, renewing Euro VI diesel tractor units remains the most practical solution to ensure reliable cross-border operations, maintain competitive freight rates, and protect profit margins.

Until charging infrastructure expands and electric trucks become more economically viable for long-distance transport, diesel-powered fleets are likely to remain a key part of Europe’s road freight industry.