CLECAT — 2025-03-28
News from Brussels
The European Clean Trucking Alliance (ECTA) has released a comprehensive report detailing the progress and challenges of transitioning to zero-emission trucking across Europe. Entitled "Tracking the Zero-Emission Trucking Transition," the report provides valuable insights into the current state of the industry and outlines key steps necessary to achieve a sustainable future for road freight transport.
The study, presented during an event in Brussels on 27 March, evaluates six Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that measure how well 5 EU Member States (Germany, Poland, Spain, The Netherlands and Sweden) are facilitating the transition to zero-emission trucks. These KPIs reflect critical enablers such as infrastructure readiness, regulatory frameworks, and market incentives, providing a comprehensive picture of each country’s performance.
As an example, the report underscores the need for continued investment in charging infrastructure, to support the widespread adoption of zero-emission vehicles. The lack of a cohesive charging infrastructure across Europe is identified as a major challenge, with disparities between regions hindering the seamless operation of zero-emission trucks. To address these challenges, the report calls for coordinated efforts between governments, industry stakeholders, and private investors to ensure a consistent network of charging/refuelling facilities by leveraging public and private financing opportunities and ease permitting procedures, notably for grid upgrades.
The study also explores the economic implications of transitioning to zero-emission trucking, noting that while initial investment costs are higher, long-term savings on fuel and maintenance can offset these expenses. With the right policy support and incentives, including the toll exemption for zero-emission vehicles and fiscal incentives, the total cost of ownership for zero-emission trucks can become competitive with conventional vehicles.
CLECAT welcomes the report's findings and recognises the importance of a coordinated approach to accelerating the adoption of zero-emission trucks. The report should help policymakers to design the right policy framework across the EU but also in each Member State to support the enabling conditions for the transition towards zero-emission trucking.