The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has said the transition to carbon-neutral and zero emission freight transport cannot happen without radical policy changes by the European Union and the governments of all member states.
Speaking on the occasion of the COP25 UN climate conference, the organisation’s Commercial Vehicle Board – made up of the CEOs of Europe’s truck makers – said a fresh approach was crucial to achieving emissions and clean air targets.
“When we look at the total fleet of transport operators today, it is clear that the market will need to be completely turned around in an extremely short timeframe,” said Gerrit Marx, Chairman of ACEA’s Commercial Vehicle Board and President of CNH Industrial Commercial Vehicles and Speciality.
Among the policies called for by the group is the rapid roll-out of dedicated charging and refuelling infrastructure for trucks and putting in place meaningful incentives to make these vehicles a commercially-viable and competitive choice for transport operators, thereby fostering fleet renewal.