Towards a longer incentive for zero‑emission trucks

The heavy‑duty road transport sector, although representing only 2.4 % of the EU vehicle fleet, contributed 27.5 % of road transport CO₂ emissions in 2022. To encourage the shift to zero‑emission logistics, the EU’s Eurovignette Directive allows Member States to grant road‑toll exemptions to battery‑electric and fuel‑cell trucks and buses until 31 December 2025. Without an extension, operators of electric trucks in countries such as Germany would start paying at least 25 % of regular road tolls from January 2026.

On 27 June 2025 the European Commission proposed to prolong the full exemption for zero‑emission heavy‑duty vehicles (HDVs) until 30 June 2031. The initiative, part of the Industrial Action Plan for the automotive sector, aims to offset the higher purchase price of electric trucks and buses and provide “planning certainty” for fleet operators. The Commission aligned the new expiry date with the EU’s CO₂ standards for HDVs, which require a 43 % emissions reduction by 2030.

Legislative progress

The Commission’s proposal must be approved by both the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. On 7 October 2025, the European Parliament voted in favour of the extension, rejecting a motion to block the draft law. This vote follows previous calls from industry and municipalities to maintain toll relief beyond 2025; without the extension the exemption would expire at the end of 2025. The file now awaits endorsement by the Council before it can be transposed into national law.

Impact on Member States

The Eurovignette Directive is a framework: Member States are free to introduce full or reduced toll exemptions for zero‑emission trucks. Today only two countries grant a full exemption and ten apply reduced rates. In Germany, for example, a partial toll was planned from 2026, so the extension could save operators thousands of euros per year. The Association of European Automobile Manufacturers (ACEA) and the German VDA welcomed the Parliament’s vote, stressing that long‑term incentives are vital to achieve a market share of at least 35 % zero‑emission trucks by 2030. Both organisations urge Member States to adopt the exemption and expand public charging and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.

Incentive aligned with climate and competitiveness goals

The Commission argues that a longer exemption period will narrow the total cost of ownership gap between zero‑emission and diesel trucks and help meet the EU’s 2030 climate targets. Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas described the measure as providing a “powerful business incentive” while supporting competitiveness and climate objectives. Industry stakeholders agree: ACEA notes that tolls account for a significant share of operating costs for long‑haul transport and that extending the exemption sends a strong signal to investors. Observers also highlight that the measure complements national schemes such as Germany’s truck toll law, which was recently updated to add a CO₂ surcharge for high‑emission vehicles, further tilting the cost balance in favour of electric trucks.

Next steps

Following the Parliament’s endorsement, the Council is expected to deliberate on the extension later in 2025. Once adopted, Member States will need to transpose the new rules and decide whether to offer full or partial exemptions. Stakeholders emphasise that the toll exemption should be accompanied by rapid deployment of megawatt‑scale charging and hydrogen refuelling stations along major corridors to support the growing number of zero‑emission trucks. By aligning fiscal incentives with infrastructure development and stringent CO₂ targets, the EU aims to accelerate the uptake of electric and fuel‑cell freight vehicles and deliver a significant reduction in transport emissions.

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.