2025: The Year of the Electric Truck – Accelerating the Net Zero Logistics Revolution
By Mike Brown, VP Product at VEV
The electric revolution in the truck sector is no longer a distant goal, it’s underway.
As I look across the logistics landscape in early 2025, I see transformation happening at an unprecedented pace. The proof points are unmistakable: hundreds of electric Heavy Goods Vehicles (eHGVs) are hitting the road through government-funded ZEHID trials, industry giants like Amazon and Kuehne + Nagel are making bold commitments to electrification, and breakthrough technology is enabling 500km journeys on a single charge.
Perhaps most telling is the opening of Milence’s first dedicated eHGV charging hub in the UK, serving transportation and logistics in the UK and Europe. With space for 32 eTrucks in future, this isn’t just infrastructure – it’s a statement of intent from the industry. The message is clear: electric trucking is ready for prime time.
For fleet truck operators the window of opportunity is now wide open, but it won’t stay that way forever. The question isn’t whether to transition to electric – it’s how quickly you can get started.
Why will 2025 be the tipping point for electric trucks?
The answer lies in three converging forces reshaping our industry.
First, OEMs are facing unprecedented pressure to act.
With a mandatory 45% emissions reduction target looming by 2030, manufacturers know they can’t get there with incremental improvements to diesel engines.
This has accelerated the development of electric trucks, pushing range capabilities to 500km and beyond – enough to handle most regional distribution routes.
Second, the market is moving.
When industry leaders like Amazon commit to deploying 150 eHGVs, and Kuehne + Nagel announces they’re done buying diesel trucks, it sends ripples through the entire supply chain.
These aren’t pilot programmes anymore – they’re strategic imperatives.
Third, the economics are shifting.
While total cost of ownership (TCO) varies by route and application, we’re seeing more scenarios where electric trucks make financial sense, especially when factoring in customer pressure to reduce scope 3 emissions.
Alternative finance models to help with the high upfront costs of the trucks are working in the bus sector and are equally relevant for trucks. This can be Government funding, operator contracts or an as-a-service model based on monthly fees. The business case for electrification is becoming harder to ignore.
What should fleet fleets be doing in 2025?
My three critical actions for fleet operators this year are:
1. Understand Your Network Through an EV Lens
Many operators I speak to assume electric trucks won’t work for their operation.
But here’s the truth: while electrifying an entire fleet might be premature, there are almost always specific routes and operations where it makes perfect sense today.
The key is network modelling. There will be specific routes and customers that can be electrified today and new routes enabled by vehicles with increased range.
By analysing your operations at a granular level, you can identify the sweet spots where electrification delivers both environmental and economic benefits. We’ve seen remarkable results when taking a network-wide view rather than a depot-by-depot approach. In one recent project, we helped a national fleet (of vehicles from cars to HGVs) reduce their required grid upgrades from 90% of depots to just 8% – a game-changing improvement in both cost and feasibility.
2. Engage Your Customers
“Who pays for electrification?” It’s the elephant in the room in every conversation about electric trucks. Customers across sectors like retail, manufacturing, construction, and distribution all want net zero delivery services to meet their scope 3 targets, but there’s often hesitation about absorbing the premium costs that come with early adoption.
The solution lies in proactive customer engagement. Start by sharing data insights from network modelling. Show how specific routes and operations are already suitable for electrification and be transparent about the operational adjustments needed.
This means having practical discussions about payload differences, charging schedules, and how these align with delivery windows and service requirements.
The key is starting with pilot phases where both parties can learn and adapt together. Begin with well-defined routes or regions, gathering real-world data that can inform a broader rollout.
This collaborative approach opens exciting opportunities – your customers aren’t just buying transportation; they’re investing in a shared journey toward net zero logistics.
Our pilot eRCV collaboration scheme in Hampshire with RVS, and public services provider Serco generated positive results in terms of proving the operational and financial case for electric refuse-collection vehicles. By helping your customers showcase their sustainability progress, you’re not just providing a service, you’re becoming a strategic partner in their sustainability story.
3. Make Power Your Business
Here’s a reality check: when you operate electric vehicles, you’re not just in the logistics business – you’re in the power business too. While this might seem daunting, it’s also an opportunity to build competitive advantage.
Your power strategy needs to address three key elements: resilience (ensuring reliable power supply), cost management (understanding and optimising energy costs), and infrastructure readiness (investing in charging capabilities and potentially on-site generation).
Cold chain operators already understand the importance of power management. For everyone else, it’s time to build this expertise. The good news? There’s a playbook to follow, thanks to early adopters in the bus sector.
Don’t let your fleet get left behind
If you’re already doing some or all these things as a fleet operator, then kudos to you. However, there will still be those that want to wait until the technology matures further or costs come down.
This is a dangerous strategy. Early movers are already gaining valuable experience, building relationships with customers, and establishing themselves as leaders in sustainable logistics.
As scope 3 emissions become a key factor in contract decisions, waiting could mean losing business to more proactive competitors.
Moreover, with major manufacturers focusing their R&D on electric vehicles, the writing is on the wall for diesel trucks. The question isn’t if you’ll need to electrify – it’s when and how.
Whether you’re ready to model your network, run a pilot, or start your full rollout, 2025 is the year to act. The window of opportunity is open, but it won’t stay that way forever.
Feel free to contact me for an informal discussion about your decarbonisation challenges and how we could support your journey to a cleaner, more sustainable future.