A group of S&D MEPs raised concerns about the ambitious EU CO₂ reduction targets for new heavy-duty vehicles (-15% by 2025, -43% by 2030, -64% by 2035 compared to 2019). Manufacturers risk significant fines because market conditions are not yet supportive. Only 3–4% of new heavy-duty vehicles are currently zero-emission, mainly due to high total cost of ownership, lack of purchase incentives, and insufficient charging and hydrogen infrastructure across the EU.
They asked the Commission what measures it would take to:
- ensure Member States meet infrastructure deployment targets under the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR);
- reduce the total cost of ownership of zero-emission vehicles;
- support manufacturers in meeting the emission targets.
In its reply, the Commission stated that AFIR already obliges Member States to deploy minimum charging and hydrogen infrastructure along the TEN-T network and that EU funding instruments support this rollout. A review of the regulation is planned by the end of 2026. While the Commission cannot directly influence total cost of ownership, Member States can provide incentives such as toll exemptions, and EU funds (e.g. Recovery and Resilience Facility) may support vehicle purchases. The Commission also continues to monitor manufacturers’ compliance with the emission targets.
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