Driving change

Transport is one of the fastest-growing sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally, accounting for a quarter of total carbon emissions.¹ Nearly three-quarters of this originates from road vehicles, with medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (MHCVs) responsible for 40% of global CO2 emissions within the road transport sector.²

This disproportionate impact is primarily due to the heavy reliance of MHCVs on diesel fuel and their extensive usage in road transport. These figures are set to climb unless targeted interventions are adopted. 

The Middle East, home to some of the highest per capita CO2 emissions globally, is now at a critical juncture with sustainability efforts in the transport and logistics sector gaining significant momentum. Ambitious commitments made by countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia include nationwide electrification targets to public-private partnerships for clean transport. 

However, the region is still navigating challenges when it comes to charging infrastructure and regulatory incentives. The pathway to decarbonising road freight will be shaped by three main factors: regulation, technology and cost and infrastructure readiness. 

Regulatory frameworks will be central to driving adoption.  
Globally, governments are combining incentives and restrictions to drive uptake of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) – from subsidies and tax breaks for trucks and infrastructure to road toll discounts. At the same time, tighter emissions standards, zero-emission procurement targets and bans on ICE trucks in specific zones are sending strong signals to industry. These measures are essential to make clean technologies competitive and reward early movers. 

Technology progress and cost reduction are just as vital. For zero-emission trucks to succeed in medium- and heavy-duty segments, total cost of ownership (TCO) must keep falling – through lower upfront prices, better energy efficiency and reduced maintenance. Advances in batteries, fuel cells and drivetrains are already driving down costs, and continued innovation at scale will make them increasingly competitive with diesel.

Supporting infrastructure is essential to scale zero-emission trucks. This includes reliable charging networks for battery trucks and hydrogen refuelling for fuel-cell vehicles, especially along key road freight routes. Grid upgrades, depot charging and investment in logistics hubs will also be critical. Without this foundation, adoption could stall – even with strong policy and technology progress.

Momentum is already building. Global sales of electric trucks surged by 35% in 2023,³ and zero-emission powertrains are set to gain ground in medium- and heavy-duty segments, led by the US, Europe and China. This paper outlines a roadmap to accelerate progress, highlighting the need to align policy, infrastructure and cost incentives for a successful transition.

Resources:

_{^{1- https://www.wri.org/insights/climate-finance-sustainable-transport-low-middle-income-countries
2- https://www.spglobal.com/automotive-insights/en/blogs/2025/01/trucking-industry-forecast-for-the-next-decade-and-beyond
3- https://www.iea.org/energy-system/transport/trucks-and-buses}}