Speeding Towards Zero Emissions

Welcome to the Net Zero Club News Network, where we bring you the latest updates on the drive towards a zero-emission future. Today, we have Stephanie Kodish, Senior Director at Drive to Zero, and Jennifer Smith, Media Manager at CALSTART, joining us to discuss the acceleration of commercial zero-emission vehicles across Europe.

Recent data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) reveals a promising trend in electric truck sales globally. In 2023, there was a 35% increase compared to 2022, with Europe accounting for over 10,000 electric truck sales. While this progress is significant, Europe still lags behind China, the leader in electric bus and truck sales. China sold an impressive 54,000 new electric buses and an estimated 52,000 electric medium- and heavy-duty trucks just two years ago. However, change is on the horizon for Europe as the EU is set to adopt a regulation calling for a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions from heavy-duty commercial vehicles. This move will spur EU suppliers to ramp up the production of zero-emission trucks and buses.

Heavy-duty vehicles in Europe contribute over 25% of greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector. The upcoming regulation aims to curb these emissions, improve air quality, and align with the EU’s goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. To breathe cleaner air and create healthier communities, policymakers across Europe must take action now. Building a zero-emission transport future requires commitment, strategy, and execution.

China’s success in electric vehicle sales can be attributed to early policy support for electrifying public transport and phasing out internal combustion engine vehicles. Countries seeking to boost zero-emission vehicle adoption can learn from China’s policies and draw inspiration from nations like the United States. The US has implemented state-level policies such as the Advanced Clean Fleets rule in California and national strategies like the National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy.

States like California, New York, and Colorado offer incentives for zero-emission vehicle purchases and transitions, alongside tax rebate programs. Similar to the UK’s Zero-Emission HGV and Infrastructure Programme, the US has unveiled a national freight corridor infrastructure plan to promote electric truck adoption. Both the UK and the US have pledged to the Global Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Zero-Emission Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles, aiming for 100% zero-emission new truck and bus sales by 2040.

The Global MOU fosters international collaboration and sets ambitious targets for reducing emissions from medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. Policymakers can leverage resources like the Global Drive to Zero Implementation Hub Network, which provides support for transitioning to zero-emission vehicles and achieving transport goals. Drive to Zero has already launched implementation hubs in the Netherlands and Poland to assist businesses and fleets in adopting cleaner technologies.

With the EU trucking regulations on the horizon, policymakers must bridge knowledge gaps and strengthen the entire heavy-duty vehicle ecosystem to speed up the transition to carbon-free transportation. By collaborating, committing to change, and drawing inspiration from successful initiatives worldwide, we can drive the acceleration of commercial zero-emission vehicles across Europe and beyond.

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