To stimulate and support the competitiveness of sustainable road transport, the European Commission is proposing to exempt zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles from road tolls and user charges.
As pledged in its Industrial Action Plan for the European automotive sector, the Commission is proposing to extend the current exemption period from 31 December 2025 to 30 June 2031, providing a significant incentive for companies to invest in zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles.
The upfront cost of these vehicles is currently higher than their conventional counterparts, making them less attractive to buyers and remaining one of the main barriers to their wider deployment. By waiving tolls and user charges, the EU aims to strengthen the business case for investing in zero-emission trucks and buses.
The proposed exemption period will be synchronised with the EU’s CO2 emission performance standards for new heavy-duty vehicles which target a 43% reduction in emissions by 2030. (....)