"Speaking as the European Commission prepares to water down electric car targets, the boss of the association for commercial vehicles called on the commission to commit to an urgent review of the sector, tackling problems including lack of public charging points, lack of tax breaks for trucks and high energy costs. The situation is, in a way, dire, said Christian Levin, the chair of the commercial vehicles board of the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) said."
"The main reason why customers are holding back is they just see it's more expensive to operate with a battery electric vehicle, but they also see less flexibility and higher risk for instance [in] residual value, or [concerns] if they have to change their transport assignment, and suddenly they need to do another route where a charging is not possible, Levin said."
About 6 million trucks deliver goods across the EU but only around 10,000 are electric, primarily on short routes. The sector identifies major barriers including scarce public charging points, absence of truck-specific tax breaks, and high energy costs. An electric 40-tonne two-axle truck can cost about €300,000, roughly double a diesel alternative, straining fleet managers who typically operate on 2–3% margins. Customers cite higher operating costs, reduced flexibility, and residual-value risks when routes change. The sector requests an urgent market audit and stronger financial and infrastructure support to meet EU HGV electrification targets.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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