CO2 emission class of heavy-duty vehicles with trailers

Key points

The EESC:

• calls for an earlier date of entry into force to be set for both the changes in the calculation of tolls based on the energy efficiency of trailers and semi-trailers and the mandatory taking into account of the energy efficiency of trailers and semi-trailers in determining which charging class should apply to vehicle-trailer combinations once the CO₂-based differentiation of charges becomes applicable to motor vehicles. The date proposed by the European Commission (1 July 2030) should therefore be brought forward;

• advocates for an assessment and consideration of the possible consequences of imposing tolls or user charges on all heavy goods vehicles, in particular when it comes to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The EESC would therefore recommend that the Member States provide for targeted exemptions from the charges;

• emphasises the need to use all possible means to reduce CO₂ emissions. For example, one way of cutting carbon emissions from heavy-duty vehicles with trailers is to shift the freight they carry to Europe's rail networks, which is a less carbon-intensive mode of transport, and another is to introduce alternative power sources, differentiated according to the type of transport involved (from local distribution to long-distance transport). Electric power can be suitable for vehicles used for short journeys, and hydrogen, renewable natural gas (RNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) can power heavy-duty vehicles for longer journeys.