After five weeks of intensive work, the Expert Forum on Climate-Friendly Mobility and Infrastructure (EKMI), convened by the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV), has submitted its final report. After five weeks of intensive consultation, the "Expert Forum on Climate-Friendly Mobility and Infrastructure" (EKMI) has handed over its work results to the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV). In June 2025, the forum was initiated by Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder.
The aim was to develop concrete action recommendations for the contribution of the transport sector to the federal government's climate protection program, the ministry reports.
Focus on measures for the transport sector
The EKMI is composed of 27 independent experts from science and practice. Under the leadership of State Secretary Dr. Claudia Elif Stutz, the committee analyzed a portfolio of 33 measures based on the coalition agreement of the 21st legislative period. The measures were discussed and evaluated from ecological, economic, and social perspectives.
The recommendations should now be incorporated into the BMV's departmental contribution, which the ministry must submit to the Federal Ministry for the Environment by mid-September 2025. The federal government is obliged to present a new
climate protection program by March 2026 at the latest.
Decarbonization of road freight transport at the center
A central theme of the report is the decarbonization of heavy road freight transport. As stated in the final report, the sector is responsible for about one third of CO2 emissions in road transport. The report therefore sets the goal of achieving approximately one third of mileage electrically or with the help of electricity-based fuels by 2030.
The forum therefore recommends targeted promotion of investments in zero-emission commercial vehicles, charging infrastructure, and alternative fuels. The funding structure must be particularly tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. For them, according to the report, the transition is associated with high investment costs that cannot often be immediately passed on to customers.
Infrastructure and toll: Recommendations with potential for conflict
The EKMI advocates for an extension of the toll exemption for zero-emission trucks until at least 2032 to create investment security. There is disagreement within the forum on whether vehicles with renewable fuels should also be exempt from the toll. Some members oppose this for traceability reasons, while others call for
a technology-neutral design.
Another point of contention concerns the use of revenue from the CO2-based truck toll. While some members demand a dedicated reinvestment in road freight transport, others advocate for stronger support for rail and waterway transport. A consensus could not be reached in the EKMI on this matter.
Charging and refueling infrastructure for heavy-duty transport
The development of charging infrastructure for electric trucks is identified by the forum as a central prerequisite for transforming the transport sector. Recommended measures include those for operational sites and public charging points on highways and motorway service areas. Additionally, the EKMI supports the targeted promotion of hydrogen refueling stations along the TEN-T corridor. Here too, a technology-neutral implementation is to occur, considering both gaseous and liquid hydrogen.
Furthermore, the forum proposes to relieve transport companies in electricity pricing. A reduced electricity price analogous to industrial electricity prices could help reduce operating costs for companies in the logistics sector.
Need for regulation in technology and financing
The forum also discusses adjustments to the European regulatory framework. It suggests, among other things, a revision of the EU Directive 96/53/EC to better account
for the additional weights of battery-electric trucks. There is disagreement over the terms of design – whether to adjust flatly or progressively based on technical overweights. The introduction of an E-tag for commercial vehicles is also recommended to make electric vehicles visible.
Overall, the EKMI notes that implementing the measures requires considerable financial resources. The committee emphasizes the necessity of a sustainable financing concept to secure the transformation of the transport sector in the long term. The special funds used so far can only represent a transitional solution.
Impact on companies and personnel
From a social perspective, the EKMI warns against potential market displacement of small providers if support measures are not adequately targeted. Additionally, the charging infrastructure must also account for breaks and rest opportunities for driving personnel. Electric propulsion could improve working conditions, for example, through less noise and vibrations in the vehicle.
Importance for crisis preparedness
Finally, the EKMI emphasizes the importance of functioning road freight transport for supply security. In crisis situations such as pandemics or natural disasters, road transport remains indispensable. Therefore, robust, low-emission logistics is not only a climate policy but also
