Electric heavy-duty vehicles: the shift in TCO and operational performance

Road freight transport accounts for more than 10% of national GHG emissions. While the electrification of light vehicle fleets is now standard practice, the electrification of long-distance transport still raises legitimate questions about profitability and operation.

However, the reality on the ground is changing.

Here are the key lessons for controlling the total cost of ownership (TCO) of your heavy goods vehicles (HGVs):

📊 The economic equation: the tipping point

The purchase price of an electric tractor is still around twice that of a diesel model. But TCO is not limited to CAPEX:

• Energy: The cost per kilometer can be up to 30% lower than diesel.
• Maintenance: Simplified electric motorization reduces maintenance and insurance costs compared to thermal engines.
• Taxation: The arrival of the European carbon market (ETS2) in 2027 will automatically increase the cost of operating diesel vehicles.

🔋 The strategic challenge of charging

The profitability of an electric PL project depends directly on the energy supply method:

• Recharging at the depot (priority): This is the number one lever for competitiveness. Slow overnight recharging allows you to benefit from optimized rates and preserve battery life.
• Public charging (top-up): Although necessary for long distances, it can increase transportation costs by 10% to 20% if it becomes the primary mode.

🚛 Proven technical feasibility

Contrary to popular belief, the current range (300 to 500 km) already covers a large part of regional needs. With 2026 models reaching a range of 600 km, almost all traffic flows will be able to be handled without major operational constraints, simply by using drivers' regulatory breaks for quick recharges.

Field insight:

Life cycle analysis shows that an electric tractor reduces CO2 emissions by nearly 80% compared to diesel. The question is no longer whether the technology works, but how to structure your infrastructure so that the TCO curve intersects with that of diesel as early as possible in the operation of your fleet.