The EU has approved a new regulation mandating that by 2040, most new heavy-duty vehicles must be emissions-free, aiming for a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions from trucks. This will necessitate a significant increase in the production and sale of electric and hydrogen fuel trucks.

Currently, most trucks in Europe are diesel-powered, contributing to a quarter of the continent’s road transport emissions and various health issues from air pollution.

The law sets progressive targets for truck manufacturers to reduce CO2 emissions by 45% by 2030 (up from the previous 30% target) and 65% by 2035. Additionally, starting in 2030, 90% of new urban buses sold must be zero-emission, with the requirement increasing to 100% by 2035.

Although the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) calls this the world's most stringent emissions policy, its success hinges on sufficient government investment in electric charging infrastructure, aiming for 50,000 truck-compatible charging points by 2030.