Zero-Emission Trucks: The transition to climate-neutral road transport
In this video, ACEA Commercial Vehicles Director, Thomas Fabian, explains why the policies aimed at supporting the transition of the road transport sector cannot focus exclusively on truck manufacturers, but must also incentivise transport operators to embrace #ZeroEmissionTrucks.
Zero-emission trucking is possible, and it will have to become the backbone of road freight fast. Truck manufacturers have an increasing number of #ZeroEmissionTrucks either ready for the market or already on the roads.
“All truck manufacturers agree that battery-electric trucks will be a key technology, with hydrogen-powered trucks playing a role too. These technologies will drive us towards climate neutrality,” stated Thomas Fabian.
Although the new technologies are coming in large numbers, internal combustion engines powered by fossil-free fuels will inevitably continue to play a role in several heavy-duty applications.
Therefore, “decarbonising road transport requires more than strengthening CO2 targets for manufacturers,” warned Mr Fabian.
To ensure a swift transition, one which is also commercially viable for transport operators, the focus should be put on the framework conditions to enable the market uptake of these new generation trucks.
A regulation aimed at supporting this transition, should – among others – prioritise the swift roll-out of a dense network of charging and refuelling stations, accompanied by an effective carbon pricing system that eventually extends to road transport.
Simply put, the framework “should systematically disincentivise the use of fossil fuels and prioritise the use of low- and especially zero-emission vehicles,” Mr Fabian added.
Focusing exclusively on truck manufacturers, while neglecting the role of transport operators and the wider transport and logistics value chain, would be detrimental to a swift transition to climate neutral road transport.
“Both sides are equally important for a successful transition to climate neutrality. We need strong support, push and pull, for transport operators to embrace zero-emission vehicles,” Mr Fabian concluded.
Decarbonising road transport requires more than strengthening CO2 targets for manufacturers. The framework should systematically disincentivise the use of fossil fuels and prioritise the use of low- and especially #ZeroEmissionTrucks.
