Momentum in Motion, Surge in Sustainable Steel-Steeds

Zero-emission trucks and buses in the United States reached unprecedented registrations in 2024, signalling a powerful pivot away from fossil-fuel-dependent freight. A total of 2,810 electric medium- and heavy-duty vehicles were added to U.S. roads, up from 1,600 in 2023, capturing a 0.56% market share. The incremental yet persistent increase since 2021 reflects broader climate policy initiatives and growing manufacturer alignment toward clean energy solutions.

Bus Bonanza Bolstered by Big-Body Behemoths

In 2024, buses comprised 47% of all zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicle registrations, with 1,334 units deployed. These vehicles represented 7% of all new bus registrations. Multi-purpose and city buses dominated the segment, with Class 7 buses, those weighing between 26,001 and 33,000 pounds, making up a staggering 85%. The first quarter saw over 10% market penetration, dipping slightly in the middle of the year before rebounding in Q4 to 8%.

Truck Turnarounds, Electric Engines Eclipse Emissions

Trucks constituted 53% of new zero-emission MHD vehicle registrations. Heavy-duty trucks led the segment with 1,103 units, a 34% rise from 2023, while medium-duty trucks saw 373 registrations, marking a 73% jump. These vehicles are predominantly battery electric and are most prominent in short-range applications like drayage and delivery, where range and charging infrastructure remain manageable constraints.

Manufacturing Monarchs Mobilize for Market Mettle

Major manufacturers such as Daimler and Traton spearheaded the zero-emission transition. Daimler dominated registrations in the medium-duty segment with a 77% share, while Traton and Lion Electric held sizable stakes in the bus category. Among heavy-duty trucks, the market was more dispersed but led by Daimler, Paccar, Volvo Truck, and Traton. However, zero-emission models still constituted less than 1% of total registrations for these giants, underscoring the nascency of the transformation.

Rigorous Registrations Reflect Regional Resurgence

California continued to be a bellwether state for zero-emission vehicle adoption, benefiting from progressive regulations, incentives, and infrastructure. The final quarter of 2024 displayed notable regional growth across urban logistics fleets and transit authorities. Increasingly, fleet operators are pursuing electrification to comply with state mandates and federal funding programs linked to sustainability metrics.

Vehicle Variety Ventures into Voltage-Driven Valor

In 2024, city buses and multi-purpose buses made up the entirety of zero-emission bus registrations. For trucks, tractor-trailer configurations dominated Class 8 heavy-duty vehicles, while Class 5 and 6 light commercial trucks led medium-duty adoption. Rigid truck types accounted for 11% in heavy-duty and 30% in medium-duty electric vehicle categories, reflecting early-stage diversification in body styles.

Infrastructure Impediments, Industry Innovations Ignite Interest

While registration numbers reflect growth, infrastructure remains a bottleneck. Charging station density, grid capacity, and standardization are all hurdles to be cleared. However, government support and private investment are accelerating innovation. Emerging business models, such as depot charging-as-a-service, and OEM-backed service ecosystems, are catalyzing adoption in urban freight, municipal fleets, and school districts.

Decarbonization Drive Demands Data-Driven Direction

Policy frameworks like the Advanced Clean Trucks rule, Inflation Reduction Act subsidies, and state-level incentive programs have created fertile ground for further growth. The report by the International Council on Clean Transportation calls for consistent investment in data-backed policy design. Transparent, timely registration data helps identify gaps, track progress, and steer both regulation and innovation in a carbon-constrained economy.

Key Takeaways::

• A record 2,810 zero-emission buses and trucks were registered in the U.S. in 2024, up from 1,600 in 2023.

• Heavy-duty trucks accounted for 1,103 units, while buses reached 1,334, with Daimler and Traton leading the market.

• Zero-emission vehicles represented 7% of new bus registrations, 0.18% of medium-duty, and 0.40% of heavy-duty registrations.