Canada Medium and Heavy Duty Truck Market Overview, 2030

The Canada medium and heavy-duty truck market is undergoing a technological and regulatory shift, driven by national zero-emission goals, supply chain realignment, and evolving transport needs across logistics, construction, energy, and municipal sectors. Since 2022, Transport Canada's Incentives for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicles (iMHZEV) program has provided up to CAD 200,000 in purchase rebates per vehicle, prompting increased adoption of electric and fuel cell trucks across provinces. Daimler’s RIZON electric Class 4–5 models, launched in 2024, and Lion Electric’s expansion of battery-electric truck production highlight the shift in product offerings. Advanced telematics, electrified drivetrains, regenerative braking, modular assembly lines, and predictive maintenance systems are being embedded in both medium-duty and heavy-duty fleets. Certification is governed by federal Transport Canada standards, aligning with U.S. EPA emission norms, while provinces like British Columbia and Quebec impose stricter low-carbon vehicle mandates and offer additional incentives. Canada’s climate strategy targets 35% ZEV sales in the medium and heavy-duty segment by 2030 and full adoption by 2040. Compliance costs vary by class and propulsion type, including safety testing, drivetrain certification, and emissions compliance. Businesses must also meet sourcing guidelines to qualify for full rebate levels, especially on electric drivetrains and battery assemblies. Regulatory differences exist across provinces: Quebec enforces fleet emission reporting and offers rebates beyond the federal baseline, while Alberta provides minimal ZEV incentives. The U.S. counterpart Inflation Reduction Act offers complementary benefits for companies operating cross-border fleets but imposes domestic content rules. Government policies strongly impact competition by favoring local content, charging infrastructure partnerships, and energy-efficient fleet operations. These incentives and regulations are accelerating vehicle development cycles, localizing production, and intensifying innovation in zero-emission and low-maintenance vehicle platforms.

According to the research report, ""Canada Medium and Heavy-Duty Truck Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the Canada Medium and Heavy-Duty Truck market is anticipated to add to more than USD 1.90 Billion by 2025–30. This market is driven by Canada’s decarbonization strategy, rising fleet electrification goals, and the operational needs of industries such as construction, energy, mining, agriculture, and municipal services. These forces have accelerated the domestic production of medium and heavy-duty trucks, especially in Quebec and Ontario, where players like Lion Electric and Daimler’s RIZON brand are assembling electric models using localized supply chains. The shift from traditional diesel engines to battery-electric and fuel-cell propulsion systems has increased demand for aluminum frames, composite body panels, lithium-ion battery packs, and electronic control modules sourced partly from U.S. partners to meet USMCA requirements. Assemblies now integrate modular platforms supporting ICE and electric variants with streamlined wiring harnesses, regenerative braking kits, and telematics sensors. Manufacturing has expanded at facilities such as GM’s CAMI plant in Ingersoll, now repurposed for BrightDrop EV trucks, and Lion Electric’s plant in Saint-Jérôme, which also supports school bus and truck assembly. Distribution is handled by certified dealers and provincial fleet channels, with sales highest in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, and Montreal centers with large logistics hubs, construction zones, or clean vehicle programs. Fleet operators and municipalities receive stacked incentives from the federal iMHZEV program and regional programs in Quebec and British Columbia, fueling purchases of Class 4–7 trucks for vocational and last-mile use. Market trends include the rise of depot-based charging, adoption of zero-emission dump and utility trucks, and integrated fleet monitoring platforms using over-the-air diagnostics. Opportunities are growing in cold-chain delivery, public works, natural resource transport, and waste collection. Other industries depending on this market include forestry, retail logistics, telecommunications, and emergency services. With more than 50 models of eligible ZEV trucks listed under iMHZEV as of 2024, forecasts suggest that zero-emission vehicles could account for 35–40% of all new medium and heavy-duty truck sales in Canada by 2030, led by Quebec, B.C., and Ontario.

Medium-duty trucks are the fastest-growing segment due to rising demand from urban delivery services, public utilities, and municipal departments transitioning to electric fleets. These trucks are commonly seen in applications such as food and parcel delivery, telecom and utility maintenance, and refuse collection. Provinces like Quebec, British Columbia, and Ontario lead in deployment, backed by incentives under the federal iMHZEV program and localized rebate structures. OEMs including Lion Electric, Ford, and Daimler (through its RIZON brand) are expanding their presence with battery-electric models designed for city use. Medium trucks also serve regional logistics firms and construction subcontractors who value their maneuverability, low noise, and reduced maintenance needs. Heavy-duty trucks remain the leading class in terms of market value, volume, and strategic role in Canada’s national freight and resource sectors. These trucks power long-haul transport, heavy industrial deliveries, mining operations, and cross-border commerce with the United States. Companies like Kenworth, Volvo, Peterbilt, and Freightliner maintain strong sales in this category with ICE models optimized for long-distance routes, cold climates, and off-road use. Although electric options like the Volvo VNR Electric are entering trial phases in regions like Southern Ontario and the Vancouver metro, diesel remains dominant due to infrastructure and range requirements. Heavy-duty trucks are especially critical in Alberta’s oil sands, Saskatchewan’s agricultural transport, and northern mineral exploration zones. This class supports sectors such as construction, oil and gas, large-scale logistics, and intermodal freight driving both provincial economies and national trade operations.

Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) trucks remain the leading propulsion category, particularly in the heavy-duty segment. Diesel engines power the majority of Canada’s freight and resource transport operations due to their range, performance in extreme cold, and established refueling infrastructure. OEMs like Kenworth, Freightliner, and Volvo continue to offer advanced diesel models, often equipped with upgraded fuel efficiency systems and emissions-reduction technologies to meet evolving environmental standards. These trucks are vital in long-haul freight, mining, and construction, especially in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Northern territories. Electric trucks are the fastest-growing propulsion type, fueled by federal rebates under the iMHZEV program, provincial subsidies, and growing pressure to decarbonize municipal and commercial fleets. Quebec, British Columbia, and Ontario lead in adoption, with dense urban centers providing the ideal conditions for electric truck deployment. Medium-duty electric trucks, like those from Lion Electric and Ford’s E-Transit, are already serving delivery, utility, and public works sectors. Heavy-duty electric models such as the Volvo VNR Electric and Daimler’s eCascadia are still in early-stage fleet pilots, typically for regional logistics, due to limitations in range and charging infrastructure. Other propulsion types, such as CNG, hydrogen fuel cell, and hybrid trucks, play limited roles. CNG is used in some waste management fleets in Toronto and Edmonton. Hydrogen fuel cell adoption is minimal but under exploration, while hybrids are used in utility services requiring low emissions and extended range. These alternative systems are expected to grow modestly, depending on infrastructure rollout, cost reduction, and operational viability across Canada’s climate-diverse regions.

Rigid trucks remain the leading (L) body type across urban, municipal, and vocational segments. These trucks, including box trucks, flatbeds, tankers, utility service trucks, and garbage collection vehicles, are extensively used by local governments, public utilities, construction contractors, and delivery fleets. They dominate in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal due to their ease of navigation, shorter chassis, and adaptability to electric powertrains. Municipalities are actively replacing diesel rigid trucks with electric models from manufacturers like Lion Electric and RIZON, supported by provincial and federal incentives. Tractor-trailers or articulated trucks are the fastest-growing (F) segment, driven by rising demand from e-commerce, cross-border logistics, and interprovincial freight movement. These trucks offer flexible cargo capacity and are critical in moving goods between ports, rail yards, and warehouses. Companies like FedEx, Purolator, and Walmart Canada heavily rely on this configuration. Electric versions, such as the Freightliner eCascadia and Tesla Semi (pilot testing), are gaining attention for short-haul and regional use, especially along dense logistics corridors like the Ontario–Quebec belt and Lower Mainland BC. Tipper or dump trucks are central to infrastructure, mining, and energy sectors, hauling construction materials, waste, and aggregates in provinces such as Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. These trucks face high utilization in harsh environments and often require reinforced bodies, making diesel propulsion still dominant. However, pilot programs for electric and hybrid dump trucks are starting in urban projects. Other body types include concrete mixers, tow trucks, snowplows, mobile cranes, and refrigerated trucks. These serve specialized tasks in sectors like construction, food logistics, road maintenance, and emergency services, with usage dictated by climate, geography, and industrial demand. Each body format contributes uniquely to Canada's transportation backbone.

In Canada’s medium and heavy-duty truck market, end-user demand is shaped by distinct operational needs across industries such as freight, construction, agriculture, and public services. Logistics and transportation account for a significant share of truck utilization, driven by national and regional freight movement, parcel delivery networks, and warehouse distribution. Long-haul operators use articulated trucks and tractor-trailers to serve e-commerce, retail chains, and manufacturing hubs, especially along busy corridors like Ontario–Quebec, Alberta–British Columbia, and cross-border U.S. trade routes. Construction and mining activities generate high-volume demand for dump trucks, service vehicles, and flatbeds, especially in infrastructure-heavy regions like Alberta, Manitoba, and Newfoundland. These industries require trucks with high payload capacity, durability in harsh environments, and compliance with safety regulations for on-site use. Agriculture and forestry sectors rely on rigid and trailer trucks to transport grain, livestock, fertilizer, timber, and machinery across rural and interprovincial networks. Provinces such as Saskatchewan, Quebec, and British Columbia see consistent demand from seasonal crop cycles and forest management activities. Utility and municipal users including electric and water utilities, public works departments, and emergency services operate a wide range of medium-duty trucks outfitted for tasks like snow removal, waste collection, street repair, and field response. These entities are more likely to adopt electric vehicles due to public-sector emission goals, supported by federal and provincial incentives. Other end users include fuel and chemical transporters, refrigerated food logistics, construction rentals, airports, and mobile health services. These segments require specialized truck types such as tankers, reefers, cranes, and mobile clinics, often built to meet application-specific demands.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Medium and Heavy Duty Truck Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Vehicle Class
• Medium (3.5 to 16 Tonnes)
• Heavy (16 Tonnes and Above)

By Propulsion
• ICE
• Electric
• Other

By Body Type
• Rigid Trucks
• Tractor-Trailers / Articulated Truck
• Tipper / Dump Trucks
• Other

By end users
• Logistic transportation
• Construction and Mining
• Agriculture and Forestry
• Utility And Municipal
• Other Show more