Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Calstart: Zero-Emission Heavy-Duty Truck Market Expected to Grow

The number of available and announced models of new zero-emissions heavy-duty trucks is expected to grow 80% in the United States, Canada, China and Europe over three years.

July 9, 2021
Calstart: Zero-Emission Heavy-Duty Truck Market Expected to Grow

The number of available and announced models of new zero-emissions heavy-duty trucks is expected to grow 80%  in the United States, Canada, China and Europe over three years.

Graph: Calstart

3 min to read


The biggest zero-emission trucks are hitting the market at an accelerating rate.

The number of available and announced models of new zero-emissions heavy-duty trucks is expected to grow from 40 to 71 in the United States, Canada, China and Europe between 2020 and 2023 - a nearly 80% increase over just three years, according to data from Calstart’s online tool, Zero-Emission Technology Inventory (ZETI), which tracks the growth of zero-emission commercial vehicles globally.

Ad Loading...

During the same time period, the number of zero-emission commercial vehicles on the market in the United States, Canada, China and Europe is expected to grow nearly 30%, with 468 models on the market in 2020 and 606 models projected for 2023, Calstart officials said in a press release.

“The pace of battery technology advancement is happening faster than we thought and battery costs are also dropping faster than anticipated. As a result, newly available zero-emission trucks generally and heavy-duty zero-emission trucks in particular are shifting toward commercialization at an accelerating pace,” said Cristiano Façanha, global director of Calstart’s Global Commercial Vehicle Drive to Zero program and campaign. The ZETI tool is part of that program.

Most commercially available zero-emission heavy-duty trucks are capable of driving 300 kilometers (186 miles) on a single charge. This range is ideal for urban deliveries, drayage and other operations that do not require extreme ranges. Additionally, zero-emission heavy-duty trucks, capable of going 600 kilometers (about 373 miles) on a single charge, will be available this year and in 2022. In 2023, those with ranges of more than 1000 kilometers (621 miles) will be on the market, Calstart officials said.

Ad Loading...

Additional data findings from ZETI:

  •  The overall number of available zero-emission commercial vehicle models is on a strong upward trajectory globally despite the economic impacts of the global pandemic. The number of available models is projected to rise from 468 in 2020, to 557 in 2021, to 594 in 2022, to 606 in 2023.

  • When compared to the global market, the United States will see an even sharper uptick in available zero-emission heavy-duty truck models on the market  from 2020-2023, rising 250% from just 8 models in 2020 to 28 models on the market in 2023.

  • 114 out of 119 of zero-emission medium-duty trucks on the market have ranges that hover around or higher (>80 miles) than the average needed range.

  • 67 out of 119 of zero-emission medium-duty trucks now on the market average ranges (>150 miles) that are well over the average range these vehicles travel in a day.

“In addition to improvements in model availability as well as range, we are also seeing costs come down very quickly for electric trucks,” Façanha said. The latest projections show electric trucks will be less expensive to own and operate by 2025-2030.

More Fuel Smarts

Range Energy eTrailer.
Fuel Smartsby News/Media ReleaseApril 17, 2026

Range Energy Confirms eTrailer Performance in Winter Testing as Commercial Rollout Nears

Range Energy said its production-ready eTrailer system proved it can boost stability, safety, and efficiency in sub-zero winter conditions as the company moves toward scaled deployment.

Read More →
Circles with trucks demonstrating sustainable features and Top Green Fleets logo
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 16, 2026

Top Green Fleets of 2026: Nomination Deadline Extended

Is your company a leader in sustainability efforts among trucking fleets? If so, Heavy Duty Trucking's editors want to hear from you.

Read More →
Youtube thumbnail featuring man in Big-Lebowski-inspired sweater
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 13, 2026

New Lightweight Wheel Cover Targets Simpler Aero Gains [Watch]

Watch to learn how Deflecktor's new wheel cover design is taking a simpler approach to aerodynamics, with an eye toward making it more practical for both trucks and trailers.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Dual truck tires with black aerodynamic wheel cover and a man bending down getting ready to take one off
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 10, 2026

Deflecktor: Hubbub Aerodynamic Wheel Cover Cost-Effective Even for Trailers

Aerodynamic wheel covers can deliver small but meaningful fuel-economy gains for fleets, and Deflecktor says its latest design aims to make the technology easier and more affordable to deploy.

Read More →
Podcast thumbnail saying "How to Save on Fuel Costs" with diesel pump in the background and photo of the woman guest
Fuel SmartsApril 9, 2026

Cutting Fleet Fuel Costs in a Volatile Market [Listen]

When diesel prices are as volatile as they've been in 2026, it makes it tough for trucking fleets to plan and control costs. Breakthrough Fuel's Jenny Vander Zanden has insights on near-term savings strategies.

Read More →
YouTube thumbnail saying "How to Save on Fuel Costs" with woman's photo and a photo of a diesel price pump
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 9, 2026

Diesel Price Swings Aren’t Over. What Can Your Fleet Do?

Practical steps fleets can take to manage fuel costs, from purchasing strategies to driver behavior.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration with oil wells, dollar bills, and a diesel fuel pump
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 7, 2026

Diesel Prices Surge Toward Record Highs as Oil Price Volatility Intensifies

Prices jumped another 24 cents in a week, with California topping $7.50 and new data showing fleet fuel costs may already be at record levels.

Read More →
Blue Volvo European cabover truck on snowy road
Fuel Smartsby News/Media ReleaseApril 1, 2026

Volvo Testing Hydrogen-Fueled Internal Combustion Engines on Trucks in Europe

Hydrogen combustion engine trucks will be especially suitable over longer distances and in regions where there is limited charging infrastructure or time for recharging of battery-electric trucks, according to the company.

Read More →
Three CEOs pose displaying binders with memorandum of understanding
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 1, 2026

Toyota’s Entry Into Cellcentric Signals Push to Accelerate Hydrogen Truck Adoption

By joining Daimler Truck and Volvo, Toyota brings fuel cell expertise to a joint effort aimed at making hydrogen viable for heavy-duty transport.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration with oil wells, dollar bills, and a diesel fuel pump
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeMarch 31, 2026

U.S. Diesel Prices Hit $5.40, Top $7 in California

Trucking operators are slowing speeds, cutting empty miles, and declining unprofitable freight as diesel costs continue to rise due to conflict in the Middle East.

Read More →