First ever global agreement on zero-emission trucks and buses aims to put net zero carbon emissions by 2050 within reach.
Nov. 10, 2021
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Private Sector Quotes:
DHL
“DHL has been an early mover in the area of fleet electrification and we see this as a key factor in achieving our longer-term net zero emission aspirations. We believe that collaboration between the private and public sectors will play an important role in accelerating the development of electric vehicles for long-haul and heavier-duty road transportation. The MOU signed by national governments this week represents a highly significant statement of intent in this area and will provide added impetus for companies in our industry to integrate more electric MHDVs into our fleets,” said Greg Hewitt, CEO of DHL Express USA.
Lightning eMotors
“One of the biggest barriers to fleet electrification is the perception of commercial EVs being more expensive. While the total cost of ownership (TCO) of electric commercial vehicles compared to gas or diesel is unquestionably much lower, the initial cost tends to be higher. The support of policy makers to sponsor incentive packages that help fund private and public fleet electrification mitigates much of the initial hesitance,” said Nick Bettis, Lighting eMotors, Director, Marketing & Sales Operations.
Proterra
“The importance of zero-emission transportation of goods and people has never been clearer. The world is looking for clean technology solutions that move us towards zero-emissions. Now, the question is no longer if the commercial vehicle market will move towards electrification, but how quickly we can deploy the technologies we need to solve the climate crisis. That’s what we’re focused on at Proterra as we work towards clean air and healthy communities served by zero-emission electric commercial vehicles,” said Jack Allen, Proterra CEO.
Scania
“We endorse this global agreement on zero-emission trucks and buses as part of wider efforts to accelerate the shift towards sustainable transport. We will do our part to facilitate scaling of solutions faster and more cost-efficiently, not the least through initiatives that spur the build out of charging infrastructure for heavy vehicles,” says Christian Levin, President and CEO, Scania.
Government Quotes:
Austria
The Austrian federal government has set itself the goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2040 and greening transport will be a key factor to achieve this goal. We are nationally promoting the electrification of both, public transport and road vehicles, powered by renewable energy. However, for a timely shift to emission-free vehicles, many players have to work together and it is very clear that our goal of sustainable mobility can only be achieved with close international cooperation. Therefore, we are very happy to send such a strong signal in this direction with the global MoU for Zero Emission Medium and Heavy Duty Vehicles,” said Leonore Gewessler, Austrian Federal Minister for Climate Action.
Chile
“In Chile we are convinced that cleaner and more efficient transport is key to reaching carbon neutrality. This must not only be expressed in the goals that we have set, as we have been making progress every day to meet them. Today we are proud to announce our adhesion and commitment to this agreement, which is aligned with our National Electromobility Strategy, which considers more than 50 concrete actions, and sets various ambitious goals, among which we highlight that by 2035 all new light and medium vehicle sales will be zero emissions in our country,” said Chile’s Undersecretary of Energy Francisco López.
Luxembourg
“With already 8.4% of all buses and coaches registered in Luxembourg being electrified and with a clear aim to decarbonize by 2030 all the public buses operated by the State, the next necessary step is to accelerate the shift towards zero-emission trucks. Given that this requires a strong collaboration between governments and stakeholders in order to put in place the needed policies, vehicles and infrastructure, Luxembourg welcomes this ambitious memorandum of understanding and is looking forward to its implementation,” said François Bausch, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Mobility and Public Works of Luxembourg.
Netherlands
“For too long our medium- and heavy-duty vehicles were too difficult to decarbonize. But technology is improving fast and costs are reducing quickly. So now is the time to speed up. Not just for the climate. Everyone has the right to breathe clean air. This cuts both ways: investments now will to lead to more green jobs in the coming years. I call on other countries to join our effort as soon as possible,” said Steven van Weyenberg, Minister for the Environment of the Netherlands, one of the signers of the new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
New Zealand
“While a lot of the focus for decarbonising transport is on the light passenger fleet, the challenges associated with decarbonising the heavy vehicle fleet require specific attention. The medium and heavy vehicle fleet accounts for almost a quarter of New Zealand’s transport emissions, even though it only represents 6 percent of the annual road vehicle kilometres travelled. This MoU provides a valuable opportunity for like-minded nations to work together to accelerate the deployment of zero emission medium and heavy duty vehicles. For New Zealand, a relatively small nation in the South Pacific, international collaboration like this is essential to us achieving our decarbonisation goals,” said the Honorable Dr. Megan Woods, Minister of Energy and Resources, New Zealand.
Norway
“In Norway zero-emission passenger cars and LCVs are well under way. We need to emphasize on the heavier vehicles in order to meet our commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emission. I believe there is a need for ambitious targets regarding introduction of zero emission vehicles. I therefore support the global Memorandum of Understanding on Zero-Emission Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles,” says the Norwegian minister of transport, Jon-Ivar Nygård.
Québec
“Québec is pleased to endorse the ambition expressed in the Global MOU for ZE-MHDVs proposed by CALSTART and the Dutch government, and to participate in the decarbonization of the global road transport. We are already committed to banning the sale of new gasoline vehicles from 2035, and are aiming for 30% new heavy-duty vehicles sold in Québec being zero emissions by 2030, while making every effort to reach 100% as soon as possible,” said Benoit Charette, minister of the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change