Joint Letter: Industry Calls for Toll Exemptions for Zero-Emission Trucks

A coalition of leading European companies and environmental organisations, including logistics giant DHL, truck manufacturer Volvo, and TRATON Group, has urged EU Transport Ministers to expedite the implementation of the Eurovignette Directive. The directive aims to reform toll systems across Europe, with a key proposal to exempt zero-emission trucks from toll charges. This move is seen as a critical step to accelerate the adoption of electric freight vehicles by reducing operating costs and making clean transport more economically competitive. Trucks account for just 2% of vehicles on European roads but are responsible for approximately a quarter of transport-related emissions, highlighting the sector’s disproportionate environmental impact. The joint letter emphasises that removing toll fees for electric trucks would help bridge the cost gap between traditional diesel-powered fleets and their zero-emission counterparts. This financial incentive is considered one of the most effective levers to encourage fleet operators to transition to cleaner technologies. Industry leaders and NGOs alike have voiced strong support for the toll exemption policy, viewing it as a necessary measure to meet the EU’s ambitious climate targets for transport. The letter calls for swift action to ensure the directive is implemented without delay, reflecting a broader push within the sector to accelerate decarbonisation. Stakeholders argue that such regulatory reforms will not only reduce emissions but also stimulate innovation and investment in electric vehicle technologies. If adopted, the toll exemption could significantly alter the economics of freight transport, making electric trucks a more viable option for operators across Europe. This policy change is expected to complement other initiatives aimed at expanding charging infrastructure and improving vehicle affordability. The collaboration between industry and policymakers signals a growing consensus on the need for targeted incentives to drive the transition to sustainable freight transport.