EU to give ZEVs extra weight and length to match ICE competitiveness

This week has seen an unexpected breakthrough in the European Commission’s position allowing heavier and longer zero-emission trucks – considering the extra weight required by battery packs, or vehicle length regarding hydrogen tanks behind the cab.

IRU EU Advocacy Director Raluca Marian, said: “The road transport industry has been waiting for the Council’s negotiating position for a long time. Finally, we can move towards trilogue negotiations ... we hope that negotiators from the European Parliament, Council and Commission can come to a strong agreement that not only encourages the use of zero-emission vehicles but allows higher-capacity vehicles to be used on a wider scale than today.”

Beyond zero-emission enablers and efficiency measures, the general approach also gives clearer signals towards harmonising rules for vehicle logistics and for indivisible or exceptional loads. This is alongside efforts to simplify and digitalise procedures, therefore maintaining strong incentives for operators in intermodal transport.

The compromise introduces several long-requested measures to boost efficiency, competitiveness and sustainability while enabling the uptake of new technologies, including:
Improved conditions for intermodal and cross-border operations, including the ability to operate at higher weights in cross-border flows when using zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) or intermodal transport
A clearer and more coherent framework for the European Modular System, enabling greater efficiency and energy savings where infrastructure allows.

A new crisis-response clause enabling temporary flexibility during emergencies to maintain the continuity of essential supply chains "The proposed 44 tonnes for ZEVs gives operators in many countries the confidence to deploy them at scale without losing payload or competitiveness,” Marian added.

These provisions will support a more resilient, modern and sustainable road transport system and help the EU meet its climate goals.

The agreement now advances to EU transport ministers who must formally adopt the Council’s general approach. This will allow member states to begin negotiations with the European Parliament which adopted its position a year ago.

This common-sense approach will enable the EU to adapt to, and trial, zero-emission trucks without losing their competitive advantage. Under the proposal, 5 and 6-axle ZEVs would receive different weight bonuses, reflecting member concerns about the impact on infrastructure from heavier trucks.

It also introduces an additional 0.9 metres of permitted length for zero-emission trucks and combinations, to give manufactures space for batteries or hydrogen systems without reducing payload.