Automotive High Performance Trucks Market Size and Share
Automotive High Performance Trucks Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The automotive high-performance trucks market is poised to reach USD 176.10 billion in 2025. It is projected to expand at a 7.10% CAGR to USD 248.15 billion by 2030, giving the automotive high-performance trucks market size strong momentum for the remainder of the decade. Growth rests on three pillars: accelerating electrification that promises diesel-parity total cost of ownership, tighter global CO₂ regulations that penalize high-emission fleets, and infrastructure spending that sustains vocational demand even when long-haul freight cycles soften. Battery-electric adoption is most visible in regional and urban routes, yet diesel platforms retain scale advantages for heavy payloads. Meanwhile, megawatt-class charging pilots and joint-venture battery plants highlight how traditional manufacturers pool capital to address a USD 30 billion charging-network gap. The market also benefits from synchronous rebounds in construction and e-commerce logistics, which lift build rates across Classes 5-8 while driving premium specifications such as AMTs, predictive maintenance software, and driver-assistance suites.
Key Report Takeaways
- By truck class, heavy-duty platforms (more than 15 t GVW) led with 50.20% of the automotive high-performance trucks market share in 2024 and are forecast to grow at a 6.95% CAGR through 2030.
- By drive type, internal combustion systems will retain a 79.40% revenue share of the automotive high-performance trucks market in 2024, while battery-electric trucks will post the fastest expansion at an 8.60% CAGR.
- By power output, the 250-400 hp band commanded a 44.30% share of the automotive high-performance trucks market size in 2024 and is projected to advance at a 10.40% CAGR by 2030.
- By application, Long-haul freight applications command a 39.10% market share in 2024, and rise at an 8.75% CAGR through 2030.
- By transmission, manual transmissions account for a 33.80% share of the automotive high-performance trucks market size in 2024and are rising at a 9.10% CAGR through 2030 .
- By region, Asia-Pacific captured a 43.50% share of the automotive high-performance trucks market in 2024 and remains the fastest-growing geography, with a 9.25% CAGR through 2030.
Global Automotive High Performance Trucks Market Trends and Insights
Drivers Impact Analysis
Driver | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
---|---|---|---|
Rapid Battery-Price Decline Enabling ≥400 kWh Packs | +1.5% | Global, led by China manufacturing scale | Medium term (2–4 years) |
Rise in Long-Haul E-Commerce Freight Volumes | +1.2% | Global, with concentration in North America and Asia-Pacific | Medium term (2–4 years) |
Fleet-Wide CO₂ Caps in EU and China Phase-IV Norms | +1.1% | EU and China core, with regulatory spillover to other regions | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
Infrastructure-Stimulus Boosting Vocational Truck Demand | +0.9% | North America and EU, with spillover to emerging markets | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
Data-Driven Predictive Maintenance Lowering TCO | +0.8% | Global, with early adoption in developed markets | Medium term (2–4 years) |
OEM Direct-to-Fleet Subscription Models | +0.6% | North America and EU, expanding to Asia-Pacific | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
Source: Mordor Intelligence
Rapid Battery-Price Decline Enabling More Than 400 kWh Packs
Battery cost reductions accelerate electric truck adoption by enabling larger battery packs that meet long-haul performance requirements while achieving total cost of ownership parity with diesel alternatives. Battery prices have declined over 85% in the past decade, with current costs at USD 135 per kWh expected to reach USD 60 per kWh by 2025-2030, making electric freight trucks potentially 50% cheaper to own than diesel by 2030. The Department of Energy's 2025 Incremental Purchase Cost Report shows battery costs for commercial vehicles at USD 128-133 per kWh, down from USD 150 per kWh in 2022[1]"2025 Incremental Purchase Cost Methodology and Results for Clean Vehicles", U.S. Department of Energy, energy.gov.. This trajectory enables Class 8 electric trucks with 375-mile range to achieve 13% lower total cost of ownership than diesel trucks, with payback periods of approximately 3 years. Battery pack costs could decline by 64% to 75% by 2050, while energy density improvements support larger pack configurations without compromising payload capacity. The cost reduction cycle creates positive feedback loops where increased production scale drives further cost improvements, accelerating market adoption.
Rise in Long-Haul E-Commerce Freight Volumes
E-commerce logistics transformation drives sustained demand for high-performance trucks with increased freight density and delivery frequency requirements. The American Trucking Associations projects truck volumes will grow 1.60% in 2025, with total tonnage rising from 11.27 billion tons in 2024 to 13.99 billion tons by 2035, maintaining trucking's 76.80% market share. This growth pattern reflects structural shifts in supply chain architecture, where last-mile delivery consolidation centers require trucks with enhanced payload optimization and route flexibility. E-commerce's impact extends beyond volume increases to performance specifications, with logistics companies investing in electric and alternative fuel vehicles to reduce emissions while exploring more efficient routing strategies. The sector's evolution toward smaller, frequent shipments necessitates trucks with advanced telematics and real-time tracking capabilities, creating opportunities for OEMs to differentiate through connectivity features. Capacity constraints in traditional freight networks amplify demand for high-performance trucks that maximize utilization rates while meeting stricter environmental standards.
Fleet-Wide CO₂ Caps in EU and China Phase-IV Norms
Regulatory mandates create compliance imperatives that drive technology adoption and reshape competitive dynamics across global truck markets. The EU's revised CO2 standards require 43% emissions reduction by 2030, 65% by 2035, and 90% by 2040, with financial penalties of EUR 4,250 per gCO2/tkm in 2025 and EUR 6,800 in 2030 for non-compliance. These regulations apply to a broader range of vehicles, including smaller trucks and urban buses, with 90% of new city buses required to be zero-emission by 2030. China's Phase-IV norms similarly drive electrification, with the country's heavy-duty truck market rebounding to approximately 900,000 trucks in 2023, driven by domestic recovery and export growth. The regulatory framework includes incentive mechanisms for zero- and low-emission vehicles, promoting hydrogen fuel cell technology adoption alongside battery-electric alternatives. Compliance strategies vary by region, with European manufacturers focusing on integrated powertrain solutions while Chinese OEMs leverage manufacturing scale advantages in battery production.
Infrastructure-Stimulus Boosting Vocational Truck Demand
Government infrastructure investments create sustained demand for specialized vocational trucks across construction, mining, and utility applications, with vocational production reaching record levels despite overall market softness. The Inflation Reduction Act and infrastructure bill stimulate demand for Class 5 trucks essential for utilities and municipalities, while medium-duty vehicle market projections show growth potential reaching USD 85.31 billion by 2032 from USD 51.8 billion in 2023. This demand pattern reflects federal spending priorities that favor domestic manufacturing and clean energy infrastructure deployment. Heavy equipment market stabilization after COVID-19 volatility benefits from federal infrastructure bills, though challenges remain in fully transitioning to electric powertrains for heavy-duty applications. Vocational truck specifications increasingly incorporate electrification capabilities, particularly for urban applications where emissions regulations are strictest. The sector's resilience stems from its essential role in infrastructure maintenance and expansion, creating predictable demand cycles that support long-term investment planning.
Restraints Impact Analysis
Restraint | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
---|---|---|---|
Megawatt-Charging Infrastructure Gaps | -1.8% | Global, with acute shortages in rural and developing regions | Medium term (2-4 years) |
Supply-Chain Crunch for Power-Electronics Grade SiC | -1.2% | Global, with particular impact on premium segments | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
Class-8 Driver Shortage Curbing Utilization | -0.9% | North America and EU, with spillover effects globally | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
High Insurance Premiums for More Than 500 HP Pickups | -0.4% | North America, with emerging concerns in other markets | Medium term (2-4 years) |
Source: Mordor Intelligence
Megawatt-Charging Infrastructure Gaps
Infrastructure deployment lags behind vehicle availability, creating range anxiety and limiting electric truck adoption in long-haul applications where charging time and availability remain critical operational constraints. Current megawatt charging systems can deliver up to 3.75 MW of power, significantly exceeding the 350 kW limit of passenger vehicle charging systems. Yet, deployment remains concentrated in pilot projects across major freight corridors. WattEV's 25-megawatt electric truck stop in California represents early infrastructure development, while Daimler's USD 650 million investment in charging and hydrogen networks demonstrates the scale of required investment. The infrastructure challenge extends beyond charging stations to grid capacity and renewable energy integration, with California planning 160,000 heavy-duty chargers by 2035 to support truck electrification. Charging infrastructure gaps particularly affect rural and developing regions, where grid capacity limitations and investment economics create deployment barriers. Establishing common megawatt charging standards through industry collaboration aims to accelerate infrastructure rollout, but coordination challenges between utilities, OEMs, and fleet operators slow progress.
Supply-Chain Crunch for Power-Electronics Grade SiC
Silicon carbide semiconductor shortages constrain electric truck production and increase costs for power electronics systems essential for high-performance electric drivetrains. The Power SiC market grew from USD 1.1 billion in 2021 to USD 1.8 billion in 2022, with automotive applications dominating at 70% market share and projections reaching nearly USD 9 billion by 2028. SiC semiconductors enable higher efficiency power conversion in 400V and 800V battery systems, but supply constraints limit availability for commercial vehicle applications. Major players, including STMicroelectronics and Infineon, are expanding SiC production capacity, yet demand growth outpaces supply expansion in the near term. The supply chain crunch particularly affects premium high-performance trucks that require advanced power electronics for optimal efficiency and performance. European companies maintain competitive positions in SiC device processing and packaging, though global capacity expansion remains necessary to meet automotive electrification demands.
Segment Analysis
By Truck Class: Heavy-Duty Dominance Drives Market Scale
Heavy-duty trucks above 15 tons GVW command 50.20% market share in 2024 and maintain leadership with 6.95% CAGR through 2030, reflecting their critical role in long-haul freight and construction applications where payload capacity and durability requirements favor larger platforms. This segment's dominance stems from economic advantages in freight transportation, where larger trucks achieve better ton-mile efficiency and lower per-unit transport costs. Medium-duty trucks (3.5 to 15 tons GVW) serve regional distribution and urban delivery markets, experiencing growth driven by e-commerce logistics and last-mile delivery requirements. Light-duty trucks below 3.5 tons GVW address specialized applications including service vehicles and small-scale construction, though their market share remains limited by payload constraints.
The heavy-duty segment's evolution toward electrification faces unique challenges related to battery weight and charging infrastructure, with manufacturers developing specialized solutions including battery swapping and megawatt charging compatibility. Class 8 truck production reached approximately 330,168 units in 2024, driven by vocational demand linked to infrastructure investments, though inventory overhangs constrained growth. Regulatory pressures, including the EPA 2027 rules, create pre-buy opportunities for model years 2025 and 2026, with potential price increases of USD 20,000 to USD 30,000 driving fleet purchasing decisions. The segment's technological advancement focuses on integrated powertrain solutions that optimize performance across diverse operating conditions while meeting increasingly stringent emissions standards.

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
By Drive Type: Electrification Momentum Accelerates Despite ICE Dominance
Internal combustion engines maintain 79.40% market share in 2024, reflecting established infrastructure and operational familiarity, while battery-electric systems lead growth projections at 8.60% CAGR through 2030 as cost parity approaches and charging infrastructure expands. The drive type transition reflects fundamental shifts in total cost of ownership calculations, where declining battery costs and rising fuel prices favor electric alternatives for specific applications. Hybrid systems (PHEV/HEV) serve as transitional technologies, offering reduced emissions without range limitations, which is particularly valuable for mixed-duty cycles. Fuel cell electric vehicles represent emerging alternatives for long-haul applications, with Hyundai's XCIENT fuel cell trucks achieving 10 million kilometers cumulative driving distance in Switzerland.
Battery-electric adoption accelerates in urban and regional applications where charging infrastructure availability and duty cycle predictability support operational requirements. The transition timeline varies by application, with urban delivery and drayage operations leading adoption while long-haul freight remains predominantly diesel-powered. Fuel cell technology gains traction for heavy-duty applications requiring long-range and fast refueling. PACCAR and Toyota expand their hydrogen fuel cell truck collaboration to include commercialization, with initial customer deliveries planned for 2024.
By Power Output: Mid-Range Segment Balances Performance and Efficiency
The 250-400 horsepower segment leads with 44.30% market share in 2024 and fastest growth at 10.40% CAGR through 2030, representing the optimal balance between performance capability and fuel efficiency for diverse commercial applications. This power range accommodates most regional hauling and construction requirements while maintaining reasonable fuel consumption and emissions profiles. Lower power outputs below 250 horsepower serve specialized applications including urban delivery and light construction, where maneuverability and operating cost efficiency outweigh maximum performance requirements. High-power segments above 400 horsepower address heavy-haul and severe-duty applications, though their market share remains constrained by fuel consumption and emissions considerations.
Power output optimization increasingly incorporates electrification technologies, where electric motors provide instant torque delivery and precise power control across operating ranges. Ford's Super Duty lineup exemplifies high-performance capabilities with diesel engines producing up to 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 40,000-pound towing capacity. The segment's evolution reflects broader powertrain integration trends, where engine, transmission, and vehicle systems coordinate to optimize performance and efficiency. Advanced engine technologies including turbocharging, direct injection, and hybrid assistance enable higher specific power outputs while meeting emissions standards. Electric powertrains challenge traditional power output classifications, as electric motors deliver different torque and power characteristics compared to internal combustion engines.
By Application: Long-Haul Freight Maintains Leadership Despite Diversification
Long-haul freight applications command a 39.10% market share in 2024, with 8.75% CAGR through 2030, driven by sustained demand for intercity goods and e-commerce logistics expansion. This segment's requirements emphasize fuel efficiency, reliability, and driver comfort for extended operating periods, influencing vehicle specifications and technology adoption patterns. Construction and mining applications demand rugged durability and specialized equipment integration, with growth tied to infrastructure investment cycles and commodity demand. Refrigerated and cold-chain transport requires specialized temperature control systems and represents approximately 15.2% of total trailer production in North America, with Utility holding a 55% market share in refrigerated trailers.
Emergency and specialty services applications encompass fire, rescue, and utility vehicles with unique performance and equipment requirements that often justify premium pricing and specialized configurations. The application diversity drives segmented technology adoption, where urban delivery favors electric powertrains while long-haul freight remains predominantly diesel-powered due to range and infrastructure constraints. Refrigerated transport increasingly adopts electric-powered trailer refrigeration units (eTRUs) to reduce diesel fuel consumption and maintenance costs, with potential annual savings of USD 5,500 per unit when connected to grid electricity[2]"Electric-Powered Trailer Refrigeration Unit Market Study and Technology Assessment", The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, nyserda.ny.gov. . Application-specific requirements create opportunities for specialized OEMs and technology suppliers to develop targeted solutions that command premium pricing while addressing unique operational needs.

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
By Transmission: AMT Revolution Displaces Manual Systems
Manual transmissions maintain a 33.80% market share in 2024 but face displacement by automated manual transmissions (AMTs) growing at 9.10% CAGR through 2030, reflecting industry-wide adoption of efficiency-enhancing technologies. Fully automatic transmissions gain market share in vocational applications where stop-and-go operation and precise control requirements favor torque converter systems over manual alternatives. The transmission evolution reflects broader vehicle electrification trends, where electric powertrains eliminate traditional transmission requirements while AMTs serve as transitional technologies for conventional powertrains.
Daimler Trucks North America reports a shift from over 85% manual transmission orders to less than 5% currently, while Mack Trucks sees 93% of Anthem models equipped with AMTs[3]"Automated Manual Transmissions Become Industry’s Popular Option", Transport Topics, ttnews.com.. The transition addresses driver shortage challenges, as younger drivers lack manual transmission experience and prefer automated systems for easy operation. AMT technology integration with engine management systems enables fuel economy improvements of 3% to 5% through optimized shift patterns and powertrain coordination.
Geography Analysis
Asia-Pacific accounted for 43.50% of 2024 revenue and is forecast to expand at 9.25% CAGR, keeping the automotive high-performance trucks market anchored in the region’s manufacturing and export heft. China’s heavy-truck exports jumped 58% year-on-year to 276,000 units in 2023, with state-owned and private OEMs leveraging low battery costs that already flirt with USD 100 /kWh. India, Indonesia, and Vietnam adopt similar platforms tailored to lower axle-load norms and mixed-fuel road maps. Japan and South Korea, meanwhile, specialize in premium low-emission technologies, supplying fuel-cell stacks and advanced ADAS software to regional assemblies.
North America maintains robust freight demand supported by a 330,168-unit Class 8 built in 2024, even amid inventory overhangs. EPA Phase 3 rules prompt pre-buy waves for 2025-26 models, while federal infrastructure grants underpin steady vocational-truck backlogs. Hydrogen pilots in Canada and cross-border logistics with Mexico ensure diverse technology trials, from battery-electric drayage tractors in California ports to fuel-cell long-haul lanes in British Columbia.
Europe’s landscape is defined by a 43% CO₂-reduction mandate for 2030 and a 90% cut by 2040. These targets accelerate fleet turnover and incentivize both battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell solutions. Joint ventures among legacy OEMs streamline software platforms and networked safety systems, while governments pledge charging corridors to bridge interstate gaps. Economic headwinds and energy-price volatility remain challenges, but regulatory certainty anchors OEM investment decisions, keeping the automotive high-performance trucks market resilient across the continent.

Competitive Landscape
The competition centers on electrification depth, software maturity, and customer service ecosystems. Market leaders like Daimler, Volvo, and PACCAR merge resources for unified operating systems that enable over-the-air feature deployment and predictive maintenance analytics. Joint ventures like Amplify Cell Technologies pool capital for a 21 GWh battery plant, locking supply and trimming cost curves. Mid-tier OEMs pursue alliances with fuel-cell innovators to hedge powertrain bets, while component suppliers race to secure SiC wafers and next-generation inverters.
Software-defined trucks shift revenue toward subscription models. Ford Pro, for example, scales connected-vehicle contracts that blend telematics, energy management, and fleet-financing packages into one invoice. Autonomous-driving startups secure minority stakes from incumbent OEMs, injecting AI expertise into product pipelines and shortening validation loops. Therefore, the automotive high-performance trucks market rewards firms integrating hardware, software, and infrastructure solutions into end-to-end value propositions.
New entrants exploit white spaces in last-mile, vocational electric, and hydrogen corridors. However, steep homologation costs and warranty-reserve requirements keep the field moderately consolidated. The top five manufacturers account for roughly 72% of global revenue, yet no firm exceeds a 25% slice, preserving competitive tension and innovation pace.
Automotive High Performance Trucks Industry Leaders
-
PACCAR Inc
-
Scania AB
-
AB Volvo
-
Tata Motors Ltd.
-
Toyota Motor Corporation
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Recent Industry Developments
- February 2025: Volvo Autonomous Solutions announced a partnership with AI startup Waabi to integrate autonomous driving technology into VNL Autonomous trucks, with commercial operations planned for Texas starting in 2025, targeting the USD 1 trillion North American freight industry.
- February 2025: Mack Trucks advanced connected vehicle capabilities with new automated software update features, including AutoSend for 30-minute software deployment and Self-Service Parameter Updates for fleet managers through the Mack Connect portal.
- December 2024: Hyundai Motor Group deployed 21 XCIENT hydrogen fuel-cell electric trucks for clean logistics at Metaplant America in Georgia, representing over one-third of Glovis America's truck fleet with mobile hydrogen refueling station establishment.
Global Automotive High Performance Trucks Market Report Scope
The high-performance trucks are equipped with advanced electric motors, telematic systems, and traction systems that will help to increase the performance of the trucks. High-performance trucks consist of cabin space and cargo space to carry goods. Trucks with a power output of 250 HP are considered high-performance trucks.
The automotive high-performance truck is segmented into truck type, drive type, and geography. Based on the truck type, the market is segmented into light-duty trucks, medium-duty trucks, and heavy-duty trucks. Regarding propulsion, the market is categorized into internal combustion engines and electric or hybrid options. Geographically, the market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the rest of the world.
For each segment, the market sizing and forecast have been done based on the value (USD).
By Truck Class | Light-Duty (Less Than 3.5 t GVW) | ||
Medium-Duty (3.5 to 15 t GVW) | |||
Heavy-Duty (More Than 15 t GVW) | |||
By Drive Type | Internal-Combustion Engine | ||
Battery-Electric | |||
Hybrid (PHEV / HEV) | |||
Fuel-Cell Electric | |||
By Power Output | Less Than 250 HP | ||
250 to 400 HP | |||
More Than 400 HP | |||
By Application | Long-Haul Freight | ||
Construction and Mining | |||
Refrigerated and Cold-chain | |||
Emergency and Specialty Services | |||
By Transmission | Manual | ||
Automatic | |||
Automated-Manual (AMT) | |||
By Geography | North America | United States | |
Canada | |||
Mexico | |||
South America | Brazil | ||
Argentina | |||
Rest of South America | |||
Europe | Germany | ||
United Kingdom | |||
France | |||
Italy | |||
Russia | |||
Rest of Europe | |||
Asia-Pacific | China | ||
India | |||
Japan | |||
South Korea | |||
Australia | |||
Rest of Asia-Pacific | |||
Middle East and Africa | Saudi Arabia | ||
United Arab Emirates | |||
Egypt | |||
South Africa | |||
Rest of Middle East and Africa |
Light-Duty (Less Than 3.5 t GVW) |
Medium-Duty (3.5 to 15 t GVW) |
Heavy-Duty (More Than 15 t GVW) |
Internal-Combustion Engine |
Battery-Electric |
Hybrid (PHEV / HEV) |
Fuel-Cell Electric |
Less Than 250 HP |
250 to 400 HP |
More Than 400 HP |
Long-Haul Freight |
Construction and Mining |
Refrigerated and Cold-chain |
Emergency and Specialty Services |
Manual |
Automatic |
Automated-Manual (AMT) |
North America | United States |
Canada | |
Mexico | |
South America | Brazil |
Argentina | |
Rest of South America | |
Europe | Germany |
United Kingdom | |
France | |
Italy | |
Russia | |
Rest of Europe | |
Asia-Pacific | China |
India | |
Japan | |
South Korea | |
Australia | |
Rest of Asia-Pacific | |
Middle East and Africa | Saudi Arabia |
United Arab Emirates | |
Egypt | |
South Africa | |
Rest of Middle East and Africa |
Key Questions Answered in the Report
What is the current size of the automotive high-performance trucks market?
The automotive high-performance trucks market was USD 176.10 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 248.15 billion by 2030.
Which region leads the automotive high-performance trucks market?
Asia-Pacific holds the top position with 43.50% market share and is also the fastest-growing region at a 9.25% CAGR through 2030.
How quickly are battery-electric high-performance trucks growing?
Battery-electric drive types register an 8.60% CAGR, the highest among all propulsion systems, as battery costs head toward USD 88 /kWh by 2030.
Why are automated manual transmissions gaining popularity?
AMTs improve fuel economy, reduce maintenance, and ease driver recruitment, leading to more than 80% penetration in new Class 8 builds.
Page last updated on: July 4, 2025