Trucks
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.
First truck completes Europe-China delivery in 12 days
The first overland delivery of European goods bound for China arrived safe and sound last week, in a good omen for Europe's hopes of making the East Asian superpower's ambitious Belt and Road initiative a two-way street.
EU climate laws completed as truck rules get green light
European Union negotiators hauled the first ever set of rules for heavy vehicle CO2 emissions across the line early on Tuesday morning (19 February), rounding off the current generation of climate laws.
E-trucks: European automakers’ third and final chance to get electrification right
Have European manufacturers learned from developments in the car and bus markets? Or will American and Chinese companies lead the way to tomorrow's zero emission freight transport? Lucien Mathieu poses some tough questions ahead of a big decision by EU negotiators.
Europe agrees sales targets for ‘clean’ buses in cities
European Union lawmakers struck an agreement on Monday (11 February) on green public procurement rules for new buses requiring that local authorities purchase a minimum share of clean vehicles running on gas or electricity by 2025 and 2030.
Trusting the accountant: How emissions reporting is set to change
Climate targets can only function if countries, cities and companies report their emissions accurately. A new project hopes to show how reporting should be done, but building trust looks set to play a huge part in overcoming the challenge.
EU needs clean vehicle procurement rules to boost e-mobility in cities
Many European countries and cities have implemented measures to promote e-mobility. But to create scale in Europe, a constellation of disconnected initiatives is not enough to drive the needed change and action must be taken at a European level, writes Folker Franz.
Truck emissions rules get green light from EU capitals, tough talks loom
EU environment ministers agreed on heavy-duty vehicle CO2 emission rules on Thursday (20 December), teeing up difficult talks with the European Parliament in January.
Using legislation to reduce CO2 emissions from trucks
Europe’s upcoming CO2 standards for trucks will be the first of their kind. Policymakers need to build enough flexibility into the legislation so that manufacturers can adapt as the process and technologies evolve, writes Joachim Drees.
IEA chief: Ethanol ‘very important’ to reduce oil dependence
Ethanol will have a very important role in decarbonising the transport sector globally, the executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) told EURACTIV.com. Another energy expert said electrification will play a major role in transport but is not applicable to all sectors, which is where biofuels come in.
Truck makers tone down criticism of Europe’s CO2 regulation
Under pressure from regulators, truck makers have softened their criticism of Europe’s first-ever regulation on CO2 emissions from heavy-duty vehicles, focusing their comments on the lack of recharging infrastructure in cities and motorways.
MEPs keep on trucking, back higher CO2 targets
Members of the European Parliament voted on Wednesday (14 November) to beef up a first attempt to regulate CO2 emissions from heavy vehicles, going beyond what the European Commission originally proposed.
European cities slow to adopt electric buses
Fully electric buses account for only 9% of urban bus sales in Europe, according to research by Transport and Environment (T&E), a green campaign group. High upfront costs are the biggest barrier to their deployment on a mass scale.