This IRU Intelligence Briefing evaluates the total cost of ownership (TCO), as well as CO₂ emissions, for an articulated vehicle (a road tractor towing a semi-trailer) during its first six years of operation.

It considers various factors affecting TCO and emissions, including vehicle prices, subsidies, residual values, insurance, interest rates, energy consumption and costs, maintenance, and tolls, all indexed to inflation.

The geographical scope of this Intelligence Briefing encompasses the five biggest EU road freight countries (France, Germany, Poland, Spain and Italy), which are also the five biggest in terms of alternative fuel vehicle registrations.

The CO₂ emissions analysis uses a well‑to‑wheel perspective, considering the carbon intensity of different energy sources in each of the five countries.

So, which powertrain has the lowest TCO, and which one reduces CO₂ emissions the most?

Short answer: It depends on the country.

Discover more studies, reports and Intelligence Briefings on the IRU Intelligence Platform.