Trucks and buses EU carbon regulations: The key lies not in the vehicles, but in the necessary conditions for implementation
Heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) play a crucial role in the transportation of goods, people, and supporting the economy. As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, the European Union (EU) has proposed ambitious targets for reducing CO2 emissions from HDVs by 2030.
To reach these targets, approximately 50,000 publicly accessible chargers and 700 hydrogen refilling stations with a daily capacity of two tonnes are required. However, it is uncertain whether the electric charging and hydrogen refilling infrastructure for HDVs will be available in time, as stipulated by the EU's Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR).
The EU is currently discussing the most ambitious legislation for HDVs globally. European policymakers recognise the need for support measures such as purchase incentives for zero-emission trucks and buses, and the necessary charging/refilling infrastructure, to help alleviate the higher cost burden of zero-emission models and increase demand in the B2B market.
The proposed CO2 rules for HDVs focus on the supply side only, relying on vehicle manufacturers rather than stimulating market demand from customers. A healthy balance between both is essential for the climate-neutrality transition.
Transport operators' investment decisions in battery-electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles are influenced by the total cost of ownership (TCO), requiring them to be as profitable as conventional vehicles. Regulatory initiatives are needed to encourage and support transport operators to consider the benefits of zero-emission vehicle investments in their CO2-emission calculations.
The key factors holding back the rollout of zero-emission HDVs in the EU include the lack of a dense network of charging and refilling stations, insufficient carbon pricing measures, and a framework that does not adequately support and incentivise transport operators to transition.
The legal framework for decarbonising HDVs must differ from that for light-duty vehicles. The CO2 regulation's scope should be clarified to include only vehicles with officially determined CO2 values by the European Commission's Vehicle Energy Consumption Calculation Tool (VECTO).
Public procurement plays a decisive role in increasing the share of zero-emission buses, as seen in urban bus investments. EU policy makers should reconsider the proposal for new vehicle groups, such as medium lorries, heavy trucks with special axle configurations, buses, and coaches, to establish new, earlier baselines for CO2 reduction targets.
As long as fossil fuels, such as diesel, are more cost-competitive than climate-neutral power sources, transport operators will not switch to zero-emission models. To address this, regulatory initiatives and carbon pricing measures are necessary to level the playing field.
Truck and bus manufacturers are ready to contribute to decarbonising the HDV sector. Europe should pursue a pragmatic, progressive, and technology-neutral approach to ensure scalable solutions serve as the global pacesetter.
In conclusion, achieving climate-neutral HDVs in Europe is a complex challenge, but with the right support measures, regulatory frameworks, and investments, it is achievable. The EU is taking significant steps towards this goal, and with the cooperation of vehicle manufacturers, transport operators, and governments, a sustainable future for HDVs is within reach.
