To boost the competitiveness of zero-emission road transport, the European Commission has proposed extending the toll exemption for electric and hydrogen trucks and buses. The exemption currently expires at the end of 2025, but the Commission wants to postpone the deadline until 2031.
The market share of zero-emission trucks and buses remains marginal, primarily due to their higher purchase prices and the lack of high-power charging or hydrogen refueling infrastructure.
However, with a 2030 deadline to achieve a 43% emissions reduction, truckmakers are pleading with local governments and the EU for more support in the sale of electric and hydrogen trucks. And it seems the European Commission has listened.
As promised in March
As pledged in its Industrial Action Plan for the European automotive sector in March 2025, the Commission proposes extending the current toll exemption period from December 31, 2025, to June 30, 2031. This would provide a significant incentive for companies to invest in zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles.
“We need to create the right conditions to support European companies and reward early movers in the transition to a low-carbon economy,” said Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas. “By extending the exemption period, we are providing a strong business incentive for industry to invest in zero-emission vehicles and reduce emissions from road transport. It’s important for our companies, but also our climate objectives.”
Significant cost savings per kilometer
Trucks pay varying rates of tolls in several European countries, including Belgium, depending on their weight, number of axles, emission class, and the roads they use.
The toll varies from €0.15 per kilometer for the cheapest class of trucks to €0.516/km for old and heavy 5-axle trucks. New heavy-duty trucks (18 tons or more) cost around €0.348 per kilometer.
The lack of tolls for electric and hydrogen vehicles, therefore, means substantial cost savings for transport companies, making the total cost of ownership (TCO) of these zero-emission trucks and buses more competitive. Under current regulations, only a partial reduction (between 50% and 75%) can be granted to zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles after the 2025 deadline.
To the Parliament and Council
However, the new regulation to extend the toll exemption deadline has not yet been signed into law. As is customary with EU law, the proposal must now be voted on by the European Parliament and the Council. This will occur in the coming months, as the agreement must be finalized by the end of 2025.
