A coalition of European businesses and organizations focused on heavy-duty vehicle decarbonization has called on European Commission leadership to preserve existing CO2 emissions standards and reject any early review scheduled for 2027.
The signatories emphasized that companies across Europe have already committed substantial capital to transitioning their heavy-duty vehicle fleets, viewing electrification as a significant business opportunity while reducing dependence on volatile global fuel markets. The current CO2 standards serve as a critical instrument for achieving Europe’s climate objectives, supporting economic expansion, and enhancing energy independence, according to the letter. The standards are also presented as essential for maintaining competitiveness within Europe’s automotive sector amid global electrification efforts.
The businesses cautioned that any reduction in regulatory stringency or acceleration of the review timeline would create market instability and undermine investor confidence. They noted that recent targeted amendments to the standards for the 2025–2030 period already pose risks to deployment goals, potentially resulting in 200,000 fewer electric trucks deployed across Europe over the coming decade. Additional modifications to the framework would further compound these challenges and increase uncertainty.
The coalition recommended that the EU maintain the original ambition of the heavy-duty vehicle CO2 standards while simultaneously advancing revisions to the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation and the Grids Package to support continued deployment of high-power charging networks. According to the signatories, this comprehensive approach would establish favorable conditions for accelerated zero-emission heavy-duty vehicle adoption, mobilize private sector investment, facilitate Europe’s industrial transformation and employment growth, and ensure alignment with climate targets.
The organizations indicated willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with Commission officials regarding these matters and to contribute expertise to support the transition toward a zero-emission road freight sector.
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