The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) has expressed concern about the slow progress in reforming the EU directive on dimensions and weights at the "Transport" Council meeting in Brussels. According to the association, the lack of agreement among the member states threatens the ramp-up of zero-emission commercial vehicles, thereby undermining the implementation of EU climate targets in road freight transport.
Following the progress report presented today at the "Transport" Council, the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) is deeply concerned about the lack of progress in revising the directive on dimensions and weights. With the clock ticking on the EU's CO2 reduction targets for heavy-duty vehicles by 2030, ACEA urges member states to prioritize
the swift conclusion of negotiations.
The background is the planned revision of EU regulations on truck weights, axle loads, and vehicle lengths. This adjustment is considered by ACEA as a prerequisite for battery-electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles to compete on fair terms with conventional diesel trucks. The current limitations fail to account for the higher vehicle weights of zero-emission drives, thus hindering their economic use in freight transport.
ACEA points out that a consensus has been reached between the industry, the European Commission, and the European Parliament over the past two years. Nevertheless, the Council of Ministers continues to block an agreement. "Zero-emission trucks and buses are essential for Europe's transition to a climate-neutral
road transport," said Thomas Fabian, Chief Commercial Vehicles Officer at ACEA.
"But without a rapid agreement on revising the weight and dimension regulations, the market for these vehicles will remain severely limited."
The EU has recently tightened CO₂ limits for heavy-duty vehicles. By 2030, at least one-third of all new registrations in this segment should be zero-emission. However, without adjusted vehicle requirements, manufacturers and transport companies face technical and economic challenges. Larger batteries or additional components for hydrogen storage increase vehicle weight, negatively impacting payload and efficiency—a crucial disadvantage in freight transport.
For transport companies, this raises not only the question of investment security. Operational planning is also hampered when it remains unclear
under which technical conditions zero-emission trucks can be used in long-distance and regional transport in the future. According to ACEA, practical regulation would be an important lever to advance the sector's transformation.
The association called on member states to end the blockade in the Council. It is "of crucial importance that member states overcome the current stalemate and generate the political momentum needed to quickly agree on a meaningful update of the rules," said Fabian.
ACEA also emphasized its own willingness to cooperate with all stakeholders involved. The association aims to constructively support the negotiations and work together with the EU institutions to achieve a solution that makes the transition to climate-friendly drives
