EU Parliament backs extension of toll exemption for zero-emission trucks

The European Parliament has voted in favour of prolonging the deadline that permits EU member states to fully exempt zero-emission trucks and buses from CO2-based road user charges.

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) welcomed the decision, describing it as a key measure to support the transition to climate-neutral road transport.

Currently, implementation of the Eurovignette Directive remains inconsistent across the bloc.

Only two member states have introduced full toll exemptions for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), while ten apply reduced rates. Fifteen member states have not yet made use of this policy tool.

According to ACEA, full exemptions are among the most effective measures to reduce the cost gap between ZEVs and conventional internal combustion vehicles.

“The clock is ticking fast. We have just 56 months left for a tenfold increase of the market share of zero-emission trucks – from today’s 3.5% to at least 35% by 2030,” states Thomas Fabian, Chief Commercial Vehicles Officer at ACEA.

He adds: “Europe has set the world’s most ambitious CO2 reduction targets for vehicle manufacturers, yet still largely fails to provide the necessary enabling conditions. It is incomprehensible that not all available policy instruments are being implemented to make this transition happen.”

ACEA is calling on member states to take immediate action following the formal adoption of the proposal by the European Council. It urges those that have not yet implemented CO2-based road charges to accelerate their plans.

Under the 2030 CO2 targets, manufacturers must reduce the average emissions of new trucks, interurban buses and coaches by 45%, requiring around 400,000 zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles to be in operation by that year.

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