There are some key differences between American and European semi-trucks you might not have realized
Published on Oct 18, 2025 at 9:29 PM (UTC-4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Dec 09, 2025 at 5:27 AM (UTC-5)
Edited by
Mason Jones
There might not seem to be many, but there are some key differences between American and European semi-trucks that could have slipped by you.
Semi-trucks are the big movers that keep countries going, as they carry all sorts of cargo across various countries and over very long distances.
Europe and America both have them, although in Europe they tend to be called lorries.
While they might seem very similar, there are actually some key differences between the two types that help you to tell them apart.
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The differences between American and European semi-trucks
It is the design philosophy that is the key difference between the two types of trucks.
For example, European ones, such as a Scania or MAN, tend to go for cab-over-engine (COE) layouts.
This is because of European road laws that limit the length of a vehicle.
In America, they are long-nosed conventionals; in other words, they have long, extended hoods.
That layout makes them more typical of a regular car.
With tighter roads and more cramped cities, European trucks have to navigate trickier roads.
As such, European semis have a flat, boxy front-end, while American ones have long, protruding hoods.
Both do very similar roles; however, the two types of semi-trucks are built for very different roads.
The different road rules that the trucks have to work with
American highways can be thousands of miles long, and are usually straight open lines.
That makes them perfect for 18-wheelers, while American ones pack in extra comfort and torque.
European roads, however, can cover much shorter distances, with everything a lot more compact.
Emission rules also play a part in the differences between the two.
While some American trucks can have 15-liter engines, European ones are often much smaller.
Electric and hybrid vehicles are also becoming more common in the 2020s.
These not only meet European emissions rules, but they are also more efficient.
Long-distance trucking is also part of American culture.
In Europe, it’s very much just a part of daily life, and runs on tighter schedules than in the USA.
So while both vehicles serve a similar purpose, there are clearly some major differences.
Henry joined the Supercar Blondie team in February 2025, and since then has covered a wide array of topics ranging from EVs, American barn finds, and the odd Cold War jet. He’s combined his passion for cars with his keen interest in motorsport and his side hustle as a volunteer steam locomotive fireman at a heritage steam railway.
