The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) welcomes the European Parliament’s approval of the extension of the deadline that allows member states to fully exempt zero-emission trucks and buses from CO2-based road user charges. This is a crucial step to accelerate the transition towards climate-neutral road transport.

Yet, implementation of the Eurovignette across Europe remains patchy: only two member states currently grant full exemptions, while ten apply only reduced rates for zero-emission trucks. The remaining 15 member states currently do not make use of this important instrument at all. Full toll exemptions for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) are among the most effective and targeted measures to improve cost parity between ZEVs and conventional 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. Why are at least 15 member states still not using this instrument? 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,” said Thomas Fabian, ACEA’s Chief Commercial Vehicles Officer.

ACEA urges member states to act swiftly once the European Council formally adopts the proposal. Those that have not yet introduced CO2-based road charges must accelerate their implementation plans without delay. The 2030 CO2 targets require manufacturers to reduce the average CO2 emissions of new trucks, interurban buses and coaches by 45%. This means around 400,000 zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles must be in operation by then.