The Super Eco Combi (SEC), an extra-long truck designed to improve transport efficiency and sustainability, is already being tested in places such as Scandinavia, Spain, and Germany. The Netherlands, however, has lagged in implementing its own trials, losing its historically leading role in longer and heavier truck innovation.
In a letter to the Dutch Lower House, Minister Madlener outlined the ministry’s multi-year programme for the innovation and sustainability of the transport sector for 2026–2030. A portion of the revenue generated from the upcoming truck levy will fund research into the potential introduction of the SEC on Dutch roads.
Key areas of focus for the research include vehicle safety, traffic safety, and logistical feasibility. The investigation will involve multiple stakeholders, including the RDW (the Dutch vehicle authority), RWS (the public works agency), Evofenedex, RAI, the Port of Rotterdam, and TLN (Transport and Logistics Netherlands).
The SEC trial in 2025 aims to determine the conditions under which these vehicles could operate safely and efficiently on Dutch roads.
Truck levy from 2026
The truck levy, which is expected to start in mid-2026, is advancing as planned, according to ttm.nl. In recent months, significant milestones have been achieved, including the completion of two major tenders by RDW for the levy system and the initial admission of European Electronic Toll Service (EETS) providers.
Revenues from the truck levy will support various sustainability initiatives, such as subsidies for electric trucks and charging infrastructure. The subsidies, paid through programmes like AanZET and SPriLa, will reopen in 2025, funded by the mobility fund and repaid with future levy revenues.