FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
12 March 2026

MEDIA CONTACTS: Roxanna Smith, roxanna.smith@globaldrivetozero.org / Carina Daniels, carina@storyandreach.com
CALSTART CONTACT: Sita Holtslag, sholtslag@calstart.org

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BRUSSELS—As the European Parliament, Council, and Commission discuss the targeted  amendment to the CO₂ standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles (HDVs), we encourage policymakers to keep Europe’s climate and industrial roadmap clear and stable.

We welcome that the long-term CO₂ targets remain unchanged: a 45% reduction by 2030 and 90% by 2040. Keeping these targets must remain the top priority for Europe’s clean transport transition.

The proposed amendment will make short-term targets easier to meet and is likely to slow the rollout of zero-emission trucks (ZETs). Analysis suggests it could lead to a 7–17 percentage point lower share of zero-emission truck sales by 2034 compared with the current rules.

Significant progress has been made in the deployment of ZETs and the associated infrastructure. While there is some concern that short term market conditions may not support the phase-in over the next 4 years, we think this must be balanced against losing momentum and sending the wrong signal to fleets and OEMs. If short term changes in the regulation are needed to meet market conditions, we believe it is vital that no further amendments are made to avoid eroding investment security. Market momentum is growing rapidly in the EU. ZET sales increased more than 40% in the first half of 2025, from 9% to 19% in Q1–Q2 2025 compared with the same period in 2024. And, the latest AFIF funding round includes €220 million for charging infrastructure. Policies such as the Eurovignette Directive and Weights and Dimensions Directive are also improving the business case for zero-emission trucks.

Maintain the 2027 Review Timeline

Regulatory stability is essential for manufacturers, fleets, and investors. We therefore encourage policymakers to keep the planned review of the regulation in 2027.

The 2027 review will allow policymakers to assess progress based on real market data and make adjustments if needed.

We call on policymakers to:

• Maintain the long-term CO₂ targets — a 45% reduction by 2030 and 90% by 2040
• Keep the planned review in 2027 and avoid bringing it forward

A stable policy framework will provide a clear market signal, help Europe stay competitive, and accelerate the transition to clean heavy-duty transport.

CALSTART’s Drive to Zero is working to accelerate the decarbonization of commercial vehicles through global partnerships, innovative tools, groundbreaking research, and education.