Experiences, Drivers, and barriers of Zero-Emission Trucks: Lessons learned from Norway

• Experiences of early adopters of zero-emission trucks in Norway analysed. • Operational challenges and strategies for zero-emission trucks investigated. • Cost and price premium analysis of battery-electric versus diesel trucks. • Insights for policy-makers for accelerating zero-emission truck adoption. This article examines the structural conditions, experiences, and decision-making processes of early adopters of zero-emission trucks (ZETs), particularly battery-electric trucks (BETs), in Norway. The study showcases the early stages of the ZET transition, its progress, and implications for future adoption and policy. It combines insights from interviews with early adopters, industry stakeholders, authorities, and leasing and financing actors, alongside quantitative analyses of price and cost premium developments for BETs versus diesel trucks (DTs) from 2021 to 2024. The analysis reveals that BET adoption is primarily driven by larger firms pursuing strategic objectives, reinforced by procurement requirements and customer expectations. Although BET prices have declined, with price ratios falling from up to 3.2 in 2021 to 2.0–2.6 by 2023–2024, BETs remain significantly more expensive than DTs, partially offset by improved vehicle specifications. Profitability depends heavily on operational and charging setup, with depot-based slow charging generally preferred, while many current setups remain unprofitable, particularly for smaller operators. Infrastructure emerges as a critical barrier, as insufficient charging availability at depots and along transport corridors limits operational flexibility, compounded by grid constraints, permitting delays, and site availability. Policy measures including investment subsidies, toll exemptions, and favourable procurement frameworks have been instrumental in enabling early adoption, but stakeholders stress the need for more coordinated and predictable long-term policymaking to meet ambitious climate targets. Broader adoption further depends on increased willingness to pay among transport buyers. The findings provide new insights into experiences, barriers, drivers, and policy considerations for accelerating zero-emission trucking in Norway and beyond.