The survey, conducted by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), aims to develop a detailed technology readiness and research innovation gap analysis report. With stringent CO₂ emission reduction targets on the horizon, the EU is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to transform the transportation sector.
The EU has set progressively challenging CO₂ reduction targets for heavy-duty vehicles:
- 45% reduction by 1 January 2030
- 65% reduction by 1 January 2035
- 90% reduction by 1 January 2040
Moreover, the Commission has mandated that 90% of new urban buses must be zero-emission by 2030, with full zero-emission bus fleets expected by 2035.
Who’s invited to participate?
The survey extends invitations to a broad range of stakeholders, including:
- Transport operators in freight and passenger sectors
- Infrastructure and energy providers
- Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)
- Part suppliers
- Technology providers
- Researchers and academic institutions
- Strategic consultants and technology platforms
Organisations are encouraged to submit one comprehensive response, with the goal of capturing a holistic view of the current zero-emission vehicle landscape.
Survey structure and objectives
The questionnaire is structured across four key sections, designed to extract detailed information about:
- Organisational involvement in zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles
- Enabling conditions for zero-emission road transport
- Technology readiness
- Barriers and future research and innovation needs
Participants will be asked to assess various use cases and technology components, providing invaluable insights into the potential and challenges of ZE-HDV adoption.
The survey specifically focuses on heavy-duty vehicles including:
- Medium lorries (5–7.4t)
- Heavy lorries (>7.4t)
- Tractors with trailers or semi-trailers
- Coaches and buses (>7.5t)
Zero-emission vehicles are defined as Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCEVs), and Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles (H₂-ICEVs).
Stakeholders have until 19 January 2025 to complete the survey. While English is preferred, responses in any official EU language will be accepted and translated if necessary. The Commission emphasises that all submitted information will be anonymised, aggregated, and handled in strict compliance with GDPR regulations.
The collected data will be instrumental in guiding future EU research and innovation programmes, helping to bridge technological gaps and accelerate the transition to sustainable heavy-duty transportation.
Interested parties can access the full survey and additional background documents through the European Commission’s designated platform.