The European Commission has proposed increasing the total allowed weight of electric trucks by 2 tons after a similar proposal was approved in 2019. This higher weight limit of 44 tons aims to counteract the weight penalty of battery-electric drivetrains, thus allowing for similar payload figures.

The EU wants to cut heavy truck emissions by 90% by 2040, so switching to zero-emission vehicles is necessary, with battery-electric vehicles as a first choice. However, adding big and heavy battery packs to ensure a reasonable driving range takes away some all-important payload, which is necessary for transport companies to turn a profit.

Four tons difference

In 2019, the EU approved an extra 2-ton weight allowance to counteract this weight penalty, and it seems the same will happen again. Indeed, the European Commission has proposed allowing two more tons per e-truck, creating a difference of four tons compared to combustion-powered heavy trucks. That would make 48-ton combinations possible in Belgium, where the regular limit is 44 tons.

The Commission also wants to create some legislation to simplify international transport. An example is getting rid of border-crossing weight limits, which are lower than the average weight limits of each country.

This proposal also clarifies the border crossing rules for Longer Heavier Vehicles (LHVs) or eco-combis, which are truck and trailer combinations of up to 25,25 meters and often up to three trailers.