EU truck makers to ditch diesel by 2040

In order to reach a carbon-neutral society by 2050, all new trucks must be fossil fuel free by 2020 – that was the conclusion drawn by a recent strategic partnership between the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) and leading scientists from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK).

The ACEA is based in Brussels and represents 16 major car, van, truck and bus manufacturers, including DAF, Daimler, Ford, IVECO, MAN, Scania and Volvo Group, while PIK is based in Potsdam, Germany, and is dedicated to furthering research for global sustainability.

The two bodies recently partnered to help aid the transition to a sustainable transport system, issuing a joint declaration that outlines a roadmap for the transformation of the road freight sector.

The Chair of ACEA's Commercial Vehicle Board, and also the CEO of Scania, Henrik Henriksson (pictured, left), said the acceleration of the transition away from fossil-fuel-based road transport was the crucial issue of our time.

"Climate change is the most fundamental challenge for our generation," he said.

"At the same time, the raging COVID-19 pandemic has put the spotlight on the crucial role that road transport and logistics play to ensure that food, medicines and other essential goods are available to those who need them.

"If road freight transport is to maintain its role in serving society, we need to move away from fossil fuels as quickly as possible. Not only are we convinced that it is necessary, we know it is possible and we are ready to make it happen. Be we cannot do it alone; we need policymakers and other stakeholders to join forces with us."

The ACEA/PIK joint declaration outlines the measure it believes are needed to speed the transformation beyond direct investment by the commercial vehicle industry, including road charges based on CO2 emissions, an energy taxation system based on carbon and energy content, and the rollout of a network of charging and refuelling infrastructure.

The two bodies believe a CO2 emission pricing system is vital, as the take-up of zero-emissions vehicles will falter so long as diesel remains cheaper.

Johan Rockstrom (pictured, right), earth system scientist and director at PIK, says the time for action is now.

"Science shows us that if we want to avoid crossing dangerous tipping points in the Earth system, we need to act now – combining all available solutions to make a rapid shift to carbon neutrality," he says.

"Zero-emission vehicles will not only bring down CO2 emissions, they will also further improve air quality levels –a factor of crucial significance for human health.

"A first step has been taken with the ACEA/PIK cooperation, as industry and science start to work together in a strategic partnership to accelerate the transition, on the basis of scientific information."

Click here to view the full ACEA/PIK joint declaration and roadmap.