The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has welcomed the European Parliament’s approval of an extended deadline allowing member states to fully exempt zero-emission trucks and buses from CO2-based road user charges.
The move is seen as a key step in accelerating the transition to climate-neutral road transport.
Implementation of the Eurovignette system across Europe, however, remains uneven.
Only two member states currently grant full exemptions, ten apply reduced rates for zero-emission trucks, and 15 member states have yet to adopt this important policy measure.
Full toll exemptions for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) are among the most effective ways to improve cost parity between ZEVs and conventional vehicles.
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“The clock is ticking fast. We have just 56 months to increase the market share of zero-emission trucks tenfold – from today’s 3.5 % to at least 35 % by 2030.
“It is incomprehensible that 15 member states are still not using this instrument,” said Thomas Fabian, ACEA chief commercial vehicles officer.
ACEA urges member states to act quickly once the European Council formally adopts the proposal. Countries that have not yet introduced CO2-based road charges are encouraged to accelerate implementation plans.
Achieving the 2030 CO2 targets will require a 45 % reduction in average CO2 emissions for new trucks, interurban buses, and coaches, meaning around 400,000 zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles must be in operation by then.
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