Sweden has amended its Traffic Ordinance to allow municipalities to permit electric and hydrogen-powered heavy trucks to operate at night in areas previously restricted for noise reasons, as part of efforts to support zero-emission logistics and reduce urban congestion.
Under existing rules, many Swedish cities bar trucks weighing more than 3.5 tonnes from operating during night-time hours to limit disturbance to residents. The government said the significantly lower noise levels of electric and hydrogen vehicles make it possible to reconsider those restrictions without undermining noise protection goals.
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“By giving municipalities this opportunity, we facilitate and enable quiet and emission-free transport to move around in urban environments,” Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Andreas Carlson said in the announcement.
The amendment, which has now entered into force, gives local authorities the option to introduce exemptions through their own traffic regulations. The decision to permit night-time operations will rest entirely with individual municipalities, and the exemption applies only to zero-emission heavy vehicles. Diesel-powered trucks will remain subject to existing bans.
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The government said shifting part of freight traffic to off-peak hours could improve fleet efficiency for logistics operators while helping relieve congestion during the day. Carlson added that allowing evening and night deliveries “promotes the electrification of heavy trucks and contributes to increased climate benefits and increased accessibility during the day.”
Sweden joins a growing number of European countries testing or implementing similar measures. Electric trucks are already permitted to operate at night on the Brenner Pass between Austria and Italy, where diesel vehicles are restricted. Norway has also introduced exemptions for zero-emission heavy vehicles.
Sweden remains one of Europe’s more advanced markets for electric truck infrastructure. Data from the European Alternative Fuels Observatory show the country has 278 public charging stations for heavy commercial vehicles, placing it second in Europe behind Germany.
Source: regeringen.se