In the push toward a clean energy future, the transportation sector faces some of the toughest challenges. Heavy-duty trucks, essential for logistics, are difficult to electrify due to range, cost, and infrastructure constraints. Nevertheless, French transport giant Jacky Perrenot is charting a bold course, embracing electric mobility as a key pillar of its decarbonization strategy.
Jacky Perrenot, a major player in France's logistics industry with €1.1 billion in annual revenue, 10,000 employees, and a fleet of 6,000 vehicles, is leading the charge. This week, the company received its first 100% electric truck from a firm order of 40 vehicles placed with German manufacturer MAN. The full delivery is expected by early 2026, with an option for 60 additional units based on the performance and reliability of the new electric drivetrain.
This move follows Jacky Perrenot's earlier adoption of natural gas trucks between 2012 and 2014, marking a continued commitment to greener transport solutions.
Before committing to large-scale deployment, Jacky Perrenot conducted extensive testing. Starting in 2020, a MAN electric truck prototype was used in collaboration with Franprix for urban deliveries in the Paris region — a test that proved successful.
In addition to the MAN trucks, Jacky Perrenot has already incorporated 50 Renault Trucks electric models into its fleet, with 30 more units planned, along with a few Mercedes-Benz electric trucks expected by late 2025.
Despite these efforts, electric trucks will initially represent only a small percentage of the company’s overall fleet.
Range anxiety has long been a concern for electric truck adoption. However, improvements are evident: Renault's electric trucks can cover up to 340 km per day, while MAN's new models promise at least 450 km. For daily urban deliveries and even highway logistics, these figures offer a practical solution.
Still, the economic equation remains complex. Although the total cost of ownership (TCO) of electric trucks is improving, it has not yet reached parity with that of latest-generation diesel trucks, even after factoring in government subsidies. Sharing the higher upfront costs with clients is essential for broader adoption, according to Philippe Cuoc, Jacky Perrenot's CEO.
One strategy to lower operating costs is in-house energy management. Jacky Perrenot has already installed over 120 charging stations, including fast chargers, at its warehouses — a number set to double by 2025. By negotiating electricity prices in advance, the company ensures cheaper and more predictable energy costs.
However, the high purchase prices of electric trucks — often 2.5 to 3 times higher than Euro 6 diesel models — are a significant hurdle, particularly for smaller logistics companies.
To support the shift, financial institutions are adapting their models. Leasing contracts for diesel trucks typically span 36 to 60 months. In contrast, electric trucks, expected to operate for around seven years (84 months), require longer-term financing solutions. This evolution in financial support will be crucial for the mass deployment of electric trucks.
Despite the remaining challenges, Jacky Perrenot's strong financial foundation — bolstered by investment funds Siparex and EMZ Partners — enables it to diversify its fleet. Their leadership in adopting electric trucks positions the company as a trailblazer in the transition to renewable energy in freight transport.
Jacky Perrenot’s initiative demonstrates that the transition to electric trucks is both possible and underway, albeit with hurdles that must be addressed through industry collaboration, client partnerships, and innovative financing. As technology improves and infrastructure expands, electric trucks could play a critical role in achieving a sustainable and clean energy future for global logistics.