A revision to the maximum authorised dimensions and weights for vehicles by the European Council falls short of what is required to accelerate decarbonisation in transport, manufacturers have warned.
European transport ministers this week adopted a Council position amending the directive on weights and dimensions, which it said provided sufficient incentives to encourage investment in zero-emission technologies.
The amendments include allowing compensation for added weight because of green technologies.
The Council said zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) should be able to benefit from a weight bonus beyond the weight of the technology while at the same time avoiding damage to road infrastructure.
An extra 0.9m in length will also be permitted for ZEVs to allow more space for technology such as batteries.
Thomas Danielsen, Danish Minister for Transport, said: “I am happy to announce that we have landed an agreement in the Council on a revision of the directive on weights and dimensions.
“It will help progress the uptake of the green transition of road transport while future-proofing the transport sector.”
However, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) said the adopted text fell short of what was needed to accelerate the deployment of zero-emission trucks, buses and coaches.
In a statement, the ACEA said several targeted improvements to the regulations remained essential in the upcoming trilogue negotiations with the European Parliament to support the shift: “In particular, adequate weight allowances for the most common vehicle configurations, including 4×2 tractor-semitrailers and even a modest increase in axle weight limits are needed to enable payload and operational parity with conventional vehicles.
“At the same time, unnecessary complexity and cost, for example in relation to the On-Board Mass Monitoring and Smart Tachograph requirements, are counterproductive and must be avoided.
“A swift transposition timeline of not more than 18 months will also be key so that operators can benefit from the updated rules without delay,” it added.
“Europe’s commercial vehicle industry remains fully committed to delivering climate-neutral road transport.
“We stand ready to work constructively with policymakers to ensure this Directive effectively supports Europe’s decarbonisation goals rather than slowing progress on the road to 2030.”
