Europe’s automotive sector is undergoing a profound transformation. Stricter CO₂ targets, rapid technological advancements, and increasing regulatory pressure are reshaping mobility. The objective is clear: a decarbonised, more sustainable transport system. But the road to achieving it must be both economically viable and operationally feasible.
Commercial road transport operators are already investing in cleaner technologies, and battery-electric vehicles play an important role, particularly where collaboration between electricity providers, grid operators, shippers, and transport companies supports their deployment. However, the heavy-duty transport sector is highly diverse, with a wide range of operational needs. A one-size-fits-all approach risks making the transition inefficient or even unworkable for many operators.
The European Commission’s Automotive Industry Strategy rightly aims to build a competitive and sustainable mobility ecosystem. Yet many heavy-duty operators ready to invest in zero-emission fleets still face major challenges, including high vehicle costs and insufficient charging and refuelling infrastructure.
Current EU legislation heavily favours battery-electric vehicles. While this supports progress in some segments, it must be balanced with policies that reflect the sector’s complexity. A technology-neutral approach, underpinned by targeted investment in enabling conditions, is essential to ensure a practical and inclusive transition.
Many heavy-duty operators ready to invest in zero-emission fleets still face major challenges, including high vehicle costs and insufficient charging and refuelling infrastructure
Infrastructure remains one of the most significant barriers to decarbonising commercial road transport. The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) is a welcome step, aiming to expand infrastructure along Europe’s main transport corridors. However, this highway-focused approach addresses only part of the market. Most freight and passenger operations take place regionally and locally, requiring reliable access to charging and refuelling at depots, logistics hubs, and along secondary routes. If deployment efforts fail to account for these realities, the transition will stall.
The Commission’s recent Communication on the Greening of Corporate Fleets rightly acknowledges this infrastructure gap and calls on Member States to act. But as a non-binding initiative, its success hinges entirely on national follow-through. More concrete, enforceable measures are needed to ensure consistent progress across the EU.
At the same time, EU CO₂ standards for vehicles currently recognise only zero-emission solutions, mainly battery-electric and hydrogen, as eligible for compliance. This narrow definition overlooks low-carbon and renewable fuels, including e-fuels and advanced biofuels, which can deliver real and immediate emission reductions. Support for alternative fuels should also be reflected, sending the right signal to both manufacturers and transport operators.
The cost of transition is another major concern. A zero-emission truck or coach can cost up to three times more than a diesel equivalent. While a few Member States offer subsidies, there is no harmonised EU-wide support framework. Without predictability, many businesses cannot plan or invest in the long term.
There is also growing discussion around imposing mandatory fleet renewal requirements. The idea of forcing operators to replace their vehicles with zero-emission models, regardless of cost or infrastructure readiness, is deeply problematic. The EU should promote enabling measures and incentives instead of rigid mandates, a principle that should be upheld in future legislation.
Europe’s transport operators are not resisting the green transition, they are enabling it. Across the continent, companies are testing new technologies, investing in lower-emission vehicles, and adopting more sustainable business models. But to succeed at scale, the transition must be supported by realistic, well-coordinated policies.
The EU’s decarbonisation goals are ambitious and necessary. But ambition must be matched with flexibility. A technology-inclusive approach, combined with infrastructure investment and financial support, is essential to ensure that Europe’s green mobility transition strengthens, not weakens, its transport sector.
Sign up to The Parliament's weekly newsletter
Every Friday our editorial team goes behind the headlines to offer insight and analysis on the key stories driving the EU agenda. Subscribe for free here.