European businesses call for full implementation of the Eurovignette Directive exemption power for zero-emission trucks

Dear Ministers,

We are writing as a broad coalition of European businesses and organisations committed to Europe’s transition to zero-emission trucks (ZETs).

Together, we urge the swift implementation of road toll and user charge exemptions for ZETs as permitted under the Eurovignette Directive. At the same time, where this has not been implemented yet, it is key to vary truck tolls according to CO2 emissions, as required by the Directive.

Heavy-duty vehicles are essential to European logistics but are responsible for around a quarter of road transport emissions, despite making up only 2% of vehicles. Transitioning to ZETs is crucial for Europe to maintain its industrial leadership in this sector. ZETs are commercially viable across major use cases, with dozens of models in mass production and long-haul ranges of up to 600 km. Yet their total cost of ownership needs to be further improved to help European transport operators adopt them at scale.

Against this backdrop, the recent extension of Member States’ power to exempt ZETs from road tolls and user charges until 30 June 2031 represents a critical opportunity. Implementing this measure, alongside CO₂-based truck tolling, is vital to reduce operating costs and enable European companies to deploy ZETs at scale. Evidence from Germany, which has extended the exemption for ZETs from road tolls until June 2031, demonstrates that a full implementation of the Eurovignette Directive is key to supporting clean investments.

Proactive government action in all EU countries, including those where concessionary agreements are in place, is essential to reinforce Europe’s climate and industrial goals. From a social perspective, transitioning to ZETs can be further aided by the use of new revenues from toll reform. We therefore urge you to act decisively. By fully implementing the Eurovignette Directive, you can send a clear market signal, unlock private investment, and accelerate Europe’s transition to a clean and future-proof road freight sector.

Yours sincerely,