Time's Up for Diesel Trucks

In a drive to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, Europe’s big truck manufacturers have agreed to phase out fossil fuels in new vehicles by 2040.

Working with the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), the chief executives of DAF, Daimler, IVECO, MAN, Scania, Volvo Group (including Renault) and Ford Trucks of Turkey signed a new joint statement.

It says: “Climate change is the most fundamental challenge of our generation, with greenhouse gases from fossil fuels being the main cause of the problem. At the same time, the raging COVID-19 pandemic has put the spotlight on the crucial role road transport and logistics play to ensure that food, medicines and other essential goods are available to those who need them. If road freight transport is to maintain its role in serving society it must decarbonise quickly.”

The European truck manufacturers are members of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) who have formed a partnership with the PIK. Their ACEA 2020 December policy paper highlights 3 key areas for achieving carbon neutrality in road freight transport. These are:

• Functional, reliable and efficient vehicles
• A dense network of charging and refuelling infrastructure suitable for trucks
• A coherent policy framework which enables and drives the transition to carbon neutrality

Read the ACEA 2020 December policy paper with full details here