Excitement at COP29 After Drive to Zero Program and Global MOU Partners Reveal Progress Toward Critical Climate Goals
A co-hosted side event introduced new Global MOU signatories and endorsers, an updated Multi-Country Action Plan, two green road corridors, an updated white paper, and the second clean transportation episode in a new video series.
Baku, Azerbaijan—Attendees erupted in applause earlier today during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) as CALSTART’s Drive to Zero program, the Government of the Netherlands, and event co-organizers made several exciting program updates. A key highlight was the announcement of Mozambique and Ethiopia as the newest country signatories of the Global Memorandum of Understanding (Global MOU) on Zero-Emission Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles (ZE-MHDVs), marking significant momentum in Africa and bringing the total number of signatories to 38. In addition, 34 new Global MOU endorsers were revealed, meaning more than 220 industry partners now support progress toward MOU goals. (A complete list of new endorsers can be found below.)
“We are thrilled to welcome Mozambique and Ethiopia as the latest countries to sign the Global MOU on ZE-MHDVs. Expanding our community and the commitment it represents in Africa is vital and energizing. Commercial transport decarbonization ambition and action are growing across world regions, and we look forward to the diverse perspectives, learnings, and progress that Mozambique and Ethiopia will contribute toward our mission of 100 percent new zero-emission truck and bus sales by 2040,” said Stephanie Kodish, Global Director, Drive to Zero/CALSTART.
Following this, Drive to Zero released the Multi-Country Action Plan 2024 update, which calls out significant progress and action toward the goals established by the Global MOU. The Global Progress Toward Decarbonizing Transportation: Multi-Country Action Plan 2024 Update (MCAP) provides an overview of the newest and most effective transport policy innovations of Global MOU signatory countries—and several countries that are not yet signatories—to accelerate a zero-emission transport future. It showcases current policies adopted to date and lays out recommendations for governments to adapt into their own planning and rulemaking processes to accelerate the global zero-emission transport sector faster, smarter, and more inclusively. In addition, the MCAP pinpoints key actions and interventions for finance and infrastructure stakeholders, making clear that deep collaboration, long-term planning, and short-term problem-solving must start now.
“This year’s Multi-Country Action Plan paints an inspirational picture of what can happen when countries across five major world regions are united by a common, actionable mission. The Global MOU nations, which now total 38, contain one out of every five new MHDVs sold on the planet, and 39.5 percent of the world’s GDP. Their influence, policy action, and innovation, which are captured in this report, show the world what it takes to realize the vision of a decarbonized future,” said Stephanie Kodish.
Another exciting moment came with the announcement of two new Global Green Road Corridors (GGRC). The GGRC initiative aims to establish high-volume freight roadways as replicable models for successful zero-emission infrastructure deployment and finance, creating a pathway for replication and scale. The Poland Zero-Emission Corridor and the I-10 Corridor are the tenth and eleventh corridors to join the initiative.
The Poland Zero-Emission Corridor, jointly organized by Smart Freight Centre (SFC) and Polish Alternative Fuels Association (PSNM), is being developed during a pivotal moment in time when battery-electric truck adoption in the country is at an early stage. The project will consider domestic and international routes for electrification and use freight data collected by participants to gauge the most impactful routes with supporting charging infrastructure. By doing so, the corridor will demonstrate the viability of battery-electric truck technology to achieve decarbonization targets.
“Poland plays a pivotal role in Europe’s transportation landscape, with a trucking fleet of around 1.2 million vehicles, many of which are operated by small, cost-sensitive businesses. SFC is committed to establishing an innovative zero-emission corridor connecting Warsaw to North Sea ports by creating both the infrastructure and economic incentives needed to support the widespread adoption of e-trucks,” said Herman Sips, Senior Strategy Advisor, Smart Freight Centre.
Terawatt and SFC also announced the launch of a shipper-carrier coalition to accelerate electric vehicle deployment along Interstate 10, one of the most highly trafficked U.S. freight lanes, linking the nation’s busiest ports to the second-busiest border crossing. The I-10 Corridor project will feature ultra-fast charging equipment from Terawatt; projects will be coordinated and evaluated by SFC. The coalition plans to develop a roadmap to scale post-2027.
“Truck electrification is one of the most effective strategies to decarbonize logistics,” said Cristiano Façanha, Director of Road Freight Electrification, Smart Freight Centre. “Leading governments, particularly in Europe and the U.S., are implementing clear regulatory standards to drive the adoption of zero-emission trucks. Through this coalition, we aim to fast-track the deployment of long-haul electric heavy-duty trucks. Partnering with Terawatt and others, we are excited to advance freight decarbonization, demonstrating that an electric truck corridor can quickly become operational at low volumes and scale up rapidly.”
Additionally, Drive to Zero released an update to the GGRC white paper entitled Global Green Road Corridors: Enabling Factors for Successful Launch, Development, and Scale. Authored by Adrian Serna Tamez of Drive to Zero and noted global zero-emission transport strategist Bill Van Amburg, this white paper outlines a comprehensive list of foundational conditions and key enabling factors essential for the successful development of green road corridors, providing a practical roadmap for implementation. It highlights best practices and features real-world examples of corridors currently under development globally.
Furthermore, the second episode in the Charging Up Change video series was introduced. Focused on India, the video is narrated by Drive to Zero’s Senior Consultant, Joseph Teja, and features UltraTech, India’s largest cement producer, which has begun electrifying its trucks. Additional interviews include Haimanti Poddar, Senior Climate and Energy Adviser & FCDO India Electric Mobility Policy Lead at British Deputy High Commission, Kolkata; Sudhendu J. Sinha, Adviser of NITI Aayog; and a New Delhi Doctor of Medicine, Dr. Vandana Andrews.
The 34 new endorsers of the Global MOU include fleets, manufacturers, infrastructure providers, sub-national governments, and other knowledge partners from across the globe. These endorsers, including the Association of Azerbaijan Customs Representation and Logistics Company (AGTL)—COP29 host Azerbaijan’s first endorser to join the Global MOU community—join a network of over 220 total sub-national governments, fleets, manufacturers, infrastructure providers, and knowledge partners to support the Global MOU goals. AGTL’s endorsement was celebrated at a special signing ceremony during COP29, which was attended by AGTL Chairman Vusal Gasimov, Deputy Xandan Xandan, Department Head Xaqani Safarov, PR Director Oktay Mammadov, and Drive to Zero’s Global Director Stephanie Kodish. The Global MOU community is thrilled to welcome AGTL alongside two other Azerbaijani endorsers: ALS Global Transport (Azerbaijan Logistics Services LLC) and ACE Forwarding LLC.
“Zero-emission transport is an important step in combating climate change and protecting public health. Reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector not only benefits the environment but also contributes to long-term economic growth and operational efficiency. It also represents a healthier future, a more livable world, and is vital for our children. Protecting our own rights begins with safeguarding the rights of nature. Additionally, I am proud that my country is hosting such an event. I am proud to support the Global Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aiming to make all heavy vehicles zero-emission by 2040, and I am committed to working toward this vision,” said Vusal Gasimov, Managing Director, AGTL.
“Investing in zero-emission transport reflects our dedication to reducing our carbon footprint while reaping the economic benefits of lower energy consumption and improved efficiency. It’s a win-win approach that aligns with our operational goals and the global need for a cleaner, greener world,” said Farrukh Bakhshiyev, CEO, ALS Global Transport (Azerbaijan Logistics Services LLC).
A notable new Global MOU endorser is the Danish global shipping and logistics company A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk), which has subsidiaries and offices across more than 130 countries and over 100,000 employees worldwide. Maersk’s endorsement was celebrated at a special signing ceremony during COP29, which was attended by Dutch Climate Envoy and H.R.H Prince Jaime de Bourbon de Parme, Drive to Zero Global Director Stephanie Kodish, Maersk Senior Vice President and Head of Energy Transition Morten Bo Christiansen, and Maersk Head of Global Partnerships & Enablement Concepción Boo Arias.
“Decarbonizing commercial transport vehicles is an integral part of meeting our net zero ambition and helping customers to reach their transport emissions targets. Making the switch to medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles (MHDVs) comes with multiple operational and business benefits including lower maintenance and fueling costs, improved handling, and lower vibration for drivers, as well as healthier air in the communities these vehicles serve. The Global MOU and the growing list of signatories are instrumental. The technology is ready and will continue to advance, but without strong demand signals from transport industry providers and customers, and support from legislators through firm emission reduction targets and investments in infrastructure, adoption risks being too slow,” said Morten Bo Christiansen, SVP and Head of Energy Transition, Maersk.
“It is good to see the Global MOU community increasing, providing a clear public-private market signal for the development and deployment of zero-emission technologies in road transport worldwide. This contributes to reaching the CO2-reduction targets and presents clarity and opportunities for businesses,” said Afke van Rijn, Vice Minister for the Environment and International Affairs, Netherlands.
Drive to Zero was also thrilled to welcome its first Thai endorser to the Global MOU community. The Global MOU team, Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT), and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands have explored how to best spread the Global MOU ambition in Thailand. They will collaborate to unify industry voices and show that the industry in Thailand is ready to move toward 100 percent ZE-MHDV new sales by 2040.
“The transition to net zero presents a compelling solution that offers not only environmental benefits but also economic, social, and health advantages. On the other hand, failing to act swiftly and decisively risks catastrophic climate change, including extreme weather, biodiversity loss, and disruptions to food and water supplies. For the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT), we strongly believe that reducing emissions in transport sectors will be one of the most effective ways to achieve net zero. By switching to electric vehicles, we can reduce road pollution in major cities as well as improve energy efficiency in the mass transport sector. As a result, EVAT supports this global initiative in driving forward clean transportation together with all stakeholders worldwide. As a result, EVAT is honored to be part of the Global MOU on ZE-MHDVs, and we’ll work together with all stakeholders to accelerate the transition to clean transportation in the coming period,” said the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT).
LSP Group also joins eight other Polish endorsers since the recent New Mobility Congress event in Poland.
“At LSP Group, we believe that the environment knows no borders. Every mile we drive, every shipment we deliver is part of a larger journey—a journey toward a cleaner, zero-emission future that benefits all. Rooted in our values of responsibility and innovation, we are committed to setting the pace in Poland for sustainable transport. This transformation is not just a goal; it’s a series of milestones that include immediate investments in green technology and a long-term vision for a logistics industry that serves both economy and ecology. Together, we can prove that even the longest journeys start with the first sustainable step, and at LSP Group, we’re proud to lead the way,” said Robert Maciag, CEO, LSP Group.
Below is the full list of new endorsers and knowledge partners:
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“As Chief Growth Officer at ANC, I believe zero-emission transport is critical to addressing our greatest challenges. From a climate perspective, it’s essential to reduce emissions and combat global warming. Clean air is not just a goal but a right, and zero-emission transport directly contributes to healthier communities. Economically, investing in cleaner transport solutions drives innovation and long-term cost savings. Operationally, it’s about future-proofing our business—optimizing efficiency while reducing our environmental footprint. This MOU marks a significant step in our commitment to creating a sustainable future,” said Mohammed Abbas, Chief Growth & Sustainability Officer, ANC Delivers.
“Zero-emission transport is a major driver to combating climate change, as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. Beyond its environmental impact, zero-emission transport also improves urban air quality, leading to healthier communities by reducing harmful pollutants. Economically, it reduces dependency on fossil fuels, fostering energy security and creating new job opportunities in renewable sectors. Operationally, zero-emission vehicles are often quieter and have lower maintenance costs, enhancing efficiency while reducing noise pollution in densely populated areas. Drive On, LLC is proud to commit our time, energy, and resources to this objective,” said Matthew D. Degyansky, CEO and Founder, Drive On, LLC.
“As a transport provider, it may sound odd, but our first priority to reduce emissions is to get rid of unnecessary transport and increase our operational efficiency. But transport is, and will remain, a critical service for every supply chain—and that is why zero-emission transport technologies are so important. We need to act as one to phase out fossil fuels and scale up zero-emission vehicles and infrastructure. Thus far we have deployed 117 heavy electric trucks in our network, with another 100+ ordered and waiting to be deployed, in pursuit of our 2030 goal to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions intensity on road by 75 percent from a 2022 baseline. Doing this will get easier, cheaper, and more efficient, if we work together to increase the demand for current and future zero-emission transport solutions,” said Sophie-Kim Chapman, Vice President, Head of Decarbonisation, DFDS.
“Australian EV Specialists are proud to endorse the Global MOU. Accelerating the transition to zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty trucks is essential for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future. We’re proud to support this ambitious global initiative to decarbonize transportation and drive meaningful change for future generations,” said Alex Hagan, EV Infrastructure & Sustainability Manager, Australian Electric Vehicle Specialists.
For more information on the Global Commercial Vehicle Drive to Zero Program, email info@globaldrivetozero.org.
About Drive to Zero
Drive to Zero is a program of clean transportation accelerator CALSTART and the lead campaign of the Clean Energy Ministerial’s (CEM) Electric Vehicles Initiative. We and our partners are helping top global government officials and private-sector innovators reach an ambitious goal of 100 percent zero-emission new medium- and heavy-duty vehicle sales by the year 2040 under the Global MOU. The program is working to accelerate the decarbonization of commercial vehicles through global partnerships, innovative tools, groundbreaking research, and education.
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