CO2 targets for trucks must be ‘achievable in practice’ warns ACEA

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has warned policy makers that the first-ever CO2 targets, due for final negotiations next week, will only be achievable if they are accompanied by the right package of measures to address the structural challenges faced by truck makers and operators.

The ACEA has reiterated that meeting the targets (reducing CO2 emissions from trucks by -15% in 2025 and -30% in 2030) is only possible if customer uptake of zero and low-emission trucks increases drastically within just a few years. Despite this, recent data shows that there is not one single public charging point suitable for electric or hydrogen trucks available in the EU today, nor is there is a clear action plan for the roll-out of this infrastructure in the near future.

According to estimations, at least 6,000 high-power charging points for electric trucks (DC >500 kW) would be needed along EU motorways by 2025/2030. In addition, another 20,000 ‘regular’ charging points suitable for trucks are required − bringing the total to 26,000.

“Over the past years, ACEA members have worked hard to drive down CO2 emissions from trucks, and of course remain fully committed to continue doing so,” stated ACEA Secretary General, Erik Jonnaert.

“When finalising these new standards, however, it is essential that decision makers take into account the long investment cycles of truck manufacturers, the low operating margins of transport operators, as well as the absence of charging and refuelling infrastructure for alternatively-powered trucks.”

ACEA also believes that meaningful incentives to promote the early adoption of zero- and low-emission trucks are essential. The industry therefore supports the incentive mechanism proposed by the European Commission, which should be maintained at least until 2030.

Mandatory Sales Quotas ‘risky’
The ACEA has also reiterated that it believes the introduction of mandatory sales quotas (via a ‘benchmark’ system, as proposed by the European Parliament) would be extremely risky for Europe’s truck industry. “Dictating to manufacturers that they must produce a certain amount of zero-emission vehicles will not guarantee that market uptake will follow, especially given the lack of infrastructure as well as other obstacles – such as loss of payload and limited range.”

Jonnaert: “What we are calling for as part of this regulation is an effective framework of supportive measures for both manufacturers and truck operators to ensure that the ambitious CO2 targets that are soon to be adopted will prove to be achievable in practice.”

During their ‘trilogue’ meeting next week, representatives of the European Parliament, national governments and the European Commission are expected to strike a final deal.

The ACEA commercial vehicle members are DAF Trucks, Daimler Trucks, IVECO, MAN Truck & Bus, Scania, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, and Volvo Group.