The European Commission’s new industrial action plan for the automotive sector places a strong emphasis on sustainable mobility and technological innovation, particularly highlighting zero-emission vehicles. However, significant concerns are emerging within the heavy transport sector regarding the approach adopted, seen as excessively focused on electric technology alone. The European plan revolves around five main pillars: technological innovation, clean mobility, supply chain competitiveness, skills development, and ensuring fair market competition. Specifically, within clean mobility, the plan proposes substantial incentives for purchasing electric vehicles and enhancing charging infrastructures, but provides limited scope for alternative technologies such as hydrogen and biofuels.
Raluca Marian, EU director for the International Road Transport Union (IRU), draws attention precisely to this critical issue: "The Commission seems to have opted for a single approach, betting entirely on battery-electric technology. Despite the obligations of member states to develop hydrogen infrastructure, the plan largely overlooks this alternative, confining its use primarily to aviation and maritime transport." According to the IRU, infrastructure issues also present shortcomings. While the association acknowledges the urgent need to develop charging points at depots and logistics hubs, it highlights the absence of updated CO₂ emission standards for commercial vehicles. This oversight could lead to misalignment between environmental targets and the operational realities of the sector.
Nevertheless, the plan introduces measures welcomed by the IRU, such as targeted incentives supporting the green transition of company fleets and proposed amendments to the Eurovignette Directive, including harmonisation of weight and dimension standards to ensure load parity with diesel vehicles. Despite this, concerns remain high regarding the potential introduction of mandatory electric vehicle quotas for corporate fleets. Without adequate financial and infrastructural support, such obligations risk severely penalising the sector. "The introduction of incentives and the focus on infrastructure are certainly positive aspects, but the risk of overly stringent regulations is very real. Potentially imposing mandatory purchase quotas could distort the market and force many operators out of the sector," Marian concludes.
