The European Parliament has agreed on improved Weights and Dimensions Directive rules, which better level the playing field between zero-emission and diesel-powered trucks and buses.
The 2030 deadline to meet the world’s most ambitious decarbonisation targets for heavy duty vehicles is fast approaching.
While truck and bus manufacturers are ramping up production of zero-emission units, customers must be able to operate them as profitably as diesel-powered models.
“Existing rules on weights and dimensions are no longer fit for purpose and actually penalise zero-emission vehicles, which are typically heavier,” states Thomas Fabian, Chief Commercial Vehicles Officer at the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).
“The four-tonne weight increase and the one-tonne axle increase agreed by the Parliament both aim to redress the imbalance with diesel models, but further adjustments are needed,” he adds.
With the race to decarbonise trucks and buses picking up pace, the shortened one-year implementation time for member states is also a significant improvement.
European truck and bus manufacturers now urge member states to move the file forward swiftly.
