EU commercial vehicle registrations rise in first half of 2026

New commercial vehicle registrations across the European Union increased during the first half of 2026, with vans, trucks and buses all recording growth despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, according to the latest figures from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).

The strongest performance came from the bus sector, while electrically chargeable commercial vehicles continued to gain market share across all segments. However, ACEA warned that the transition to zero-emission transport remains constrained by insufficient charging infrastructure and other enabling conditions, particularly for heavier commercial vehicles.

Van registrations rose 1.9% year-on-year to 742,759 units during the first six months of 2026. Growth across Europe’s largest markets was mixed, with Spain posting a 7.9% increase, while registrations declined in Germany (-4.6%), Italy (-4.7%) and France (-2.1%).

The truck market also returned to growth, with registrations climbing 9.8% to 171,933 units. Heavy truck demand increased by 11.1%, while medium truck registrations rose 2.8%. Poland recorded the strongest growth among the major markets, up 25.9%, followed by Spain (+13.2%) and Germany (+7.1%). The French market remained broadly unchanged compared with the first half of 2025.

The bus market delivered the strongest performance, with registrations increasing by 22.7% to 22,590 units. Italy led the growth among the largest markets with a 51.6% rise, while Germany and France both recorded increases of 21.6%. Spain was the only major market to decline, down 8.5%, while Poland’s registrations surged 78%, making it the EU’s fourth-largest bus market.

Electric commercial vehicles continue to gain ground

Electrically chargeable vehicles strengthened their position across each commercial vehicle segment during the first half of the year.

In the van market, diesel remained the dominant powertrain despite registrations falling 1.8% to 587,272 units. Diesel’s market share declined from 82% to 79.1% year-on-year as demand for electric vans accelerated.

Electrically chargeable van registrations increased by 41.6%, lifting their market share from 9.5% to 13.2%. Hybrid vans also performed strongly, rising 31.7%, although they still represented just 3.3% of the market. Petrol-powered vans continued to lose ground, with registrations falling 21.2% and market share dropping to 3.8%.

The truck sector remained overwhelmingly diesel-led, with diesel models accounting for 92.1% of all new registrations. However, electrically chargeable truck registrations grew by 47.7%, increasing their market share from 3.6% to 4.8%.

Germany led the adoption of electric trucks with registrations up 88.5%, followed by the Netherlands (+44.5%) and France (+43.7%). Together, the three countries accounted for almost three-quarters of all electrically chargeable truck registrations across the EU.

Electric buses continued to make the greatest progress of any commercial vehicle segment. Registrations surged by 56.8%, increasing market share from 21.6% to 27.7%.

Italy, now the EU’s largest bus market, was the main driver of this growth, with electric bus registrations more than quadrupling during the period. Diesel buses continued to account for the majority of the market, with registrations rising 11% to hold a 58.2% share, while hybrid-electric buses grew 10.7% and represented 6.1% of new registrations.

The latest figures highlight continued momentum in Europe’s commercial vehicle market, with improving demand across all major segments and increasing adoption of low-emission technologies. However, the relatively modest market share of electric trucks and continued reliance on diesel power underline the challenges that remain if Europe’s commercial vehicle sector is to meet its decarbonisation ambitions.