Zeroing in on Zero-Emission Trucks

Zeroing in on Zero-Emission Trucks highlights the continued increase in medium- and heavy-duty (MHD) zero-emission truck (ZET) deployments in the United States. This series provides a concise and current snapshot of ZET deployment statistics and the existing U.S. MHD truck market. These reports offer insights into key trends driving growth in ZET adoption, as well as opportunities to further accelerate this growth that can help inform policymakers, original equipment manufacturers, fleet owners, and financial stakeholders.   

Latest Market Update

The January 2026 Zeroing in on Zero-Emission Trucks (ZIO ZET) Market Update shows the continuing evolution of medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission truck deployment across the United States. As of June 2025, more than 59,000 zero-emission trucks are now operating nationwide. While overall growth has leveled out, the story behind the numbers is one of strategic momentum and expanding opportunity. 

Non-cargo-van segments are growing; medium-duty trucks achieved their best half-year performance on record, and yard tractors posted strong gains. Most importantly, the data demonstrates that state leadership continues to drive market transformation, with California, Washington, and Wisconsin leading in normalized adoption rates. As we look ahead, the combination of proven policy solutions like vehicle and infrastructure funding and utility make-ready programs alongside innovative new approaches like sales tax exemptions and ZET loan programs will be essential to sustaining the nationwide transition to zero-emission freight. 

There were 6,526 new ZET deployments in the first half of 2025, which represents a year-over-year decline driven by softer cargo van activity. However, adoption across the other 5 vehicle segments remained strong, with 1,152 non-cargo-van ZET deployments. Medium-duty trucks and yard tractors each achieved their strongest 6-month deployment performance to date, highlighting growing confidence in ZET technology for more demanding applications. 

California (10,659), Texas (5,201), and Florida (5,099) continue to lead in total ZET deployments; when deployment activity is normalized by truck stock and vehicle segment, however, different states emerge as leaders. California, Washington, and Wisconsin show the strongest performance relative to their market size, reflecting the effectiveness of layered strategies that combine incentives, favorable energy economics, and proactive state leadership. 

To sustain deployment momentum, states and industry leaders should prioritize: 

• Expanding vehicle and infrastructure incentives to reduce total cost of ownership; 
• Accelerating charging deployment through shared hubs, utility coordination, and make-ready programs; 
• Advancing innovative financing models, including leasing structures, loan guarantees, and bundled service offerings; and 
• Providing long-term policy certainty through clear market signals, coordinated planning, and sustained public–private collaboration. 

The latest ZIO ZET findings reaffirm the importance of balancing proven solutions, such as upfront incentives for vehicles and infrastructure, and innovative ones, such as zero-emission freight zones and sales tax exemptions. Scaling these strategies nationwide will be critical to maintaining momentum, unlocking private investment, and realizing the full economic and environmental benefits of zero-emission freight. 

Past Reports

Browse the links below for the full library of Zeroing in on ZETs reports and market updates.

Resources

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