Zero-emission truck deployments in the U.S. surged 37% in 2025, according to CALSTART's latest report. The second half of the year drove most of this growth, with electric and hydrogen trucks capturing 4.14% of all new deployments by year end.
The industry started slowly in early 2025 but accelerated significantly in the latter months. This momentum reflects growing fleet operator confidence in zero-emission powertrains and improving model availability across major manufacturers. Daimler's electric Freightliner eCascadia, Volvo's VNR Electric, and Peterbilt's 579EV lead the segment, with companies like Sysco and Walmart expanding their zero-emission fleet commitments.
Several factors drive this uptick. Federal tax credits remain available for qualifying zero-emission trucks, reducing total cost of ownership. Route density and charging infrastructure have improved in key markets, making electrification viable for regional and local operations. Fleet operators increasingly view electric trucks as future-proof investments, particularly for urban delivery and short-haul routes where predictable mileage patterns suit battery range capabilities.
However, 4.14% market penetration reveals the segment's nascent state. Conventional diesel trucks retain overwhelming dominance due to lower upfront costs and longer refueling ranges. Battery technology continues advancing, but weight penalties and charging time remain real constraints for long-haul applications.
Manufacturers face pressure to scale production and reduce prices. Freightliner, Volvo, Peterbilt, and emerging competitors like Lion Electric and Hyliion must prove reliability and service networks before fleets commit at volume. Supply chain bottlenecks for battery cells and semiconductor components persist, limiting production ramp rates.
The 37% annual growth rate suggests zero-emission trucks are moving past early adopter stages toward mainstream fleet consideration