Summary:
Cefic provided input on the European Commission’s Clean Fleets Proposal, which seeks to decarbonise corporate fleets, including trucks, by accelerating zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) adoption. Cefic emphasizes that shippers, particularly in the chemical sector, face unique operational and safety challenges, such as infrastructure needs, transport of dangerous goods, cost competitiveness, and supply chain performance. Technology neutrality, enabling conditions, multimodal transport, and comprehensive safety and regulatory frameworks are highlighted as critical for effective implementation.
Key Recommendations:
- Ensure viable business cases and customer demand to prevent market distortions.
- Create enabling conditions on infrastructure, charging equipment, financial incentives, and coherent regulatory framework.
- Improve ZEV truck competitiveness, including operational and investment costs.
- Implement Weight & Dimensions Directive to allow increased payloads.
- Align with Eurovignette, ETS, and HDV CO₂ standards to avoid regulatory gaps.
- Promote freight shift to rail and inland waterways through legislative revisions.
- Broaden CO₂ measurement beyond Tank-to-Wheel to include alternative fuels (HVO, bioLNG).
- Address safety for electric or fuel cell vehicles transporting dangerous goods.