The Netherlands’ pioneering zero-emission zones for freight (ZEZ-F) are accelerating the transition to electric delivery trucks and vans, according to a new analysis.
The study by the Clean Cities Campaign briefing reveals a sharp rise in electric vans and trucks where ZEZ-F are in place or planned in Holland.
According to the report, more than three quarters (78%) of new vans registered in the Netherlands were battery-electric in the first half of 2025, compared to an EU average of just 9%.
It adds electric truck sales in the Netherlands surged by 188% year-on-year, representing nearly one in five new electric trucks sold across the EU.
The Netherlands introduced its first 18 zero-emission zones for freight in 2025, and there are plans to expand to 29 municipalities by 2030.
Dutch municipalities received dedicated funding, while companies could access national subsidies for electric vans and trucks, tax breaks, and exemptions during the transition to the new zones.
There was also a grace period, during which no fines were issued to non-compliant vehicles, which ended in July.
“The Dutch experience offers lessons for other European cities and governments aiming to decarbonise urban logistics,” the report states.
“Clear, long-term policies, financial support and charging infrastructure are essential.”
The enforcement of the zones is ensured through number plate recognition and fines.
It adds national governments should also empower cities, harmonise rules and plan grid capacity.
The Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden already have national ZEZ frameworks in place, whilst Norway is developing one.
The Clean Cities Campaign’s deputy director, Jens Müller said the Netherlands is now leading the way with electric vans and trucks, in an interview.
Müller added the progress was down to the roll out of zero-emission zones in key areas and changes to vehicle tax system.
“What is really interesting for other cities and countries is how they have pursued such a coordinated approach over many years, which now has resulted in relatively few problems, so far,” he told me.
“There was a warning period for half a year. There have also been lots of subsidies and flexible exemptions,” he added.
“The Dutch are usually quite pragmatic, but can also be ambitious at the same, and the combination of those two qualities was a recipe for success in this case.”
Chris Heron, the secretary-general of the Brussels-based trade association E-Mobility Europe, said the Dutch experience proves that when governments get policy right, the market responds fast, in an email.
Heron added smart zones are accelerating the switch to electric vans and trucks, which is a model other countries should build on.
And Tanya Sinclair, the chief executive of Electric Vehicles U.K. said they often hear in Britain how electrification is slow, costly, and incremental, but the Dutch programme proves otherwise, in an email.
Sinclair added it demonstrates how clear public sector signposting can transform purchasing and procurement behaviour.
“Local and national governments can steer the EV demand curve sharply upward through smart use of regulation, policy, fiscal incentives, or a mix of all three,” she added,
“This is electrification powered by design, where well-crafted, well-communicated regulation can accelerate adoption across any segment, any market, and any vehicle type, from fleets to private cars.”
The director of the Clean Cities Campaign, Barbara Stoll said the Dutch experience proves that zero-emission zones are a game-changer, in a statement.
Stoll added they provide the clear rules and certainty businesses need to invest in electric fleets.
“And they mean our city centres can become ‘living districts’ for all by cutting pollution, reducing noise, and creating healthier, safer streets,” she added.