The approved incentives include weight exemptions tailored to zero-emission vehicles, additional incentives for vehicles involved in combined and intermodal transport on the road, and the approval of 44-tonne combinations and high-capacity European Modular System vehicles for cross-border movements between consenting Member States.
However, a critical component of the decision is the confirmation of the Commission’s proposed phase-out date of 2034. After this date, the 44-tonne cross-border facilitation measure will only apply to operators using zero-emission vehicles, raising concerns about the technology-neutral approach.
Raluca Marian, IRU EU Director of Advocacy, welcomed the decision as a crucial signal to incentivise road transport operators to further decarbonise. She emphasised the wider implications, noting that facilitating border crossings and supporting high-capacity vehicle combinations will not only improve road transport but also overall transport efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Marian praised the Parliament’s avoidance of pitting different modes of transport against each other and stressed the importance of maximising the benefits of all modes of transport for the vibrancy of the EU economy.
However, the decision hasn’t been without its critics. Transport & Environment (T&E) warned of potential pitfalls, in particular the risk of giving diesel lorries a competitive advantage by allowing the same weight increase as zero emission vehicles. Bernardo Galantini, T&E’s freight policy officer, urged lawmakers to guard against inadvertently favouring polluting trucks, and called for a focus on supporting only long-haul electric trucks.
The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) welcomed the decision as a step towards levelling the playing field between zero-emission and diesel vehicles. However, ACEA stressed the need for further adjustments to ensure the viability of zero-emission models.
On the other hand, the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) expressed its disappointment, citing safety concerns and potential damage to intermodality efforts. The European Transport Safety Commission (ETSC) echoed these sentiments, highlighting the serious road safety implications of increasing the use of extra-long and heavy vehicles (LHVs) on EU roads.
Graziella Jost, Project Manager at ETSC, highlighted the risks associated with LHVs, emphasising the potential for negative impacts on road infrastructure, safety facilities and the rail freight sector. Concerns were also raised about the lack of specific legal safeguards for LHV drivers, in particular the increased risk of accidents for younger drivers.
As the decision moves towards negotiations with the Council, stakeholders from different sectors are calling for a balanced approach that prioritises both decarbonisation objectives and road safety concerns.
The final decision will be taken by the next parliament.
