Trucks
Road hauliers warn EU against green taxes without clean alternatives
Industry leaders in the heavy-duty vehicle sector have criticised EU plans to increase carbon taxes on commercial road transport in the next years, arguing that it is unjust to do so before clean solutions for road freight and coaches are widely affordable.
A third of trucks surpass air pollution limits in real-world conditions, study finds
Almost one third of trucks driving on Spanish roads surpassed the EU's legal emission limits for NO2, a harmful air pollutant, a study commissioned by the clean mobility NGO Transport & Environment (T&E) has found.
VW, Daimler, Volvo team up to build truck chargers
The truck manufacturing units of Volkswagen, Daimler and Volvo announced Monday (5 July) they will team up to build a network of 1,700 charging points for heavy-duty vehicles in Europe using green electricity.
Daimler, Volvo plan hydrogen fuel cell production in Europe in 2025
Daimler AG's truck unit and Volvo AB said on Thursday they would start making hydrogen fuel cells in Europe in 2025 via a joint venture, and called for EU policies to help make the zero-emission technology commercially viable.
Electrify key highways to accelerate shift to battery-powered trucks: report
A modest investment into charging infrastructure along major European motorways could herald a shift to low-carbon electric road freight over long distances, according to a new report by the green NGO Transport & Environment (T&E).
Electric truck technology close to challenging diesel: study
Electric freight trucks will soon be technologically ready to replace fossil-fuel powered trucks, but the lack of fast-charging infrastructure will hamper uptake, a new study has found.
‘Radical’ increase in zero-emission trucks needed to meet CO2 targets, industry warns
The number of zero-emission trucks on European roads will need to increase from around 2,300 at present to 200,000 by 2030 if the EU's CO2 targets are to be met, truck makers warn.
Border testing of hauliers will disrupt food and medicine supply, warns union
Mandatory COVID-19 testing of goods transport drivers at borders will lead to “devastating consequences” if implemented, forcing supply chains for essentials such as food and medicine to “grind to a halt”, the International Road Transport Union (IRU) has said in a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Europe’s truck giants to ditch diesel, as hydrogen’s benefits come to fore
Seven major truck manufacturers pledged to stop selling fossil fuelled vehicles by 2040 on Tuesday (15 December), just as a landmark new study made the case that hydrogen should play a major role in powering heavy-duty transport in the coming years.
European transport’s green drive on the starting line
The European Commission launched on Wednesday (9 December) its vision for how to clean up transport’s emissions act, as part of a four year action plan designed to help the bloc hit its 2050 climate-neutrality target.
Energy firm turns to rocket science in bid to green transport
French energy company Engie is teaming up with aerospace firm the ArianeGroup to steal a march on its rivals in the hydrogen production business, by drawing on expertise gained through Europe’s space programme.
Transport timetable: What’s moving in late 2020
Europe's transport sector, already hard hit by the coronavirus outbreak, faces a crucial and possibly defining end to 2020. EU and global targets will start to bite, while new technologies will face a challenging acid test.
MEPs bless Mobility Package without fuss
Members of the European Parliament signed off on updated trucking rules on Thursday (9 July) without accepting any amendments to the reform package that Central and Eastern European countries had pushed for.
EU’s ‘Mobility Package’ will negatively impact citizens, climate and the economy
Transport ministers from nine EU countries are calling upon the European Parliament to make adjustments to the first Mobility Package in order to take into account fair competition, EU climate policy objectives and the single market, as well as new socio-economic realities post COVID-19.
Truck drivers deserve an honest discussion, away from protectionist stereotypes
In the context of the COVID-19 crisis, the truck transport industry that ensures the security of supplies and food on our tables deserves praise, and an honest and transparent discussion, away from protectionist stereotypes, writes Petar Vitanov.
Bulgaria proposes to take over EU truck cargo, drive it to Turkey
Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov will propose to EU leaders during their teleconference on Thursday (26 March) that his country would transship goods of trucks from EU countries going to Turkey. The alternative is that EU drivers would wait 14 days before being allowed to enter Turkey.
Truckmaker Iveco hitches wagon to electric and hydrogen power
Italian truckmaker Iveco on Monday (2 December) joined the alternative propulsion party as it unveiled its first electric vehicle, which it will build in partnership with US startup Nikola Motor Co.
Greening mobility: Are we acting fast enough?
Transport has brought plenty of benefits to society, providing jobs, connecting people and moving goods. It now has to face its next challenge: reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.
Berlin and Brussels should realise that e-fuels for trucks are a bad, expensive bet
The world's largest truckmaker does not think that e-fuels are a viable way to decarbonise heavy transport. Stef Cornelis explains here why he could not agree more.
Time to give the transport sector the predictability it needs to thrive in a zero emission economy
Despite its clear potential for clean transportation, electro-mobility still does not seem to be the motor driving Europe’s economic, climate, and industrial policy, writes Folker Franz.
Transport committee chair: The aim is to put climate on political agenda in all sectors
In an interview with EURACTIV's partner le Journal de l'Environnement, the newly elected chair of the European Parliament's committee on transport and tourism (TRAN), French Green MEP Karima Delli, spoke about her new priorities. These include relaunching the rail system, regulating transport in a climate-friendly manner and reducing car pollution.
Is technology about to overcome the ‘too heavy to electrify’ obstacle?
The scientific literature remains sceptical about trucks becoming battery-operated due to the cost and weight of large battery packs. But that could change soon as costs of battery packs continues to fall, writes Björn Nykvist.
‘One Belt, One Road, One Million’: Rail chief plans to connect Europe to China
The 'New Silk Road' has the potential to make trade between China and Europe more competitive by rail than by sea. EURACTIV Germany spoke to transport boss Alexey Grom about the development of the Eurasian railway project, the 'New Silk Road' and its expansion towards Europe.