The European Commission has proposed extending the toll exemption for zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles by more than five years, pushing the deadline from the current end date of 31 December 2025 to 30 June 2031.
The proposal, now formally submitted, will undergo review by the European Parliament and Council as part of the EU’s standard legislative process. The measure, if approved, is expected to support the transport sector’s decarbonization efforts by encouraging investment in electric and hydrogen-powered trucks.
Under the current framework, countries like Germany had planned to partially reintroduce tolls for electric trucks starting in 2026, with a proposed 25% fee to cover infrastructure maintenance. The Commission’s latest proposal, however, would allow Member States to continue exempting zero-emission vehicles from these charges entirely.
The Commission stated that the extended exemption aligns with the EU’s CO₂ emission reduction targets for heavy-duty vehicles, which call for a 43% reduction by 2030 compared to 2019 levels. The move is part of a broader package aimed at supporting the European automotive sector’s transition to low-emission transport.
The initiative forms one element of the Commission’s wider action plan for the automotive industry, which was developed through a strategic dialogue involving stakeholders from across the sector. In addition to toll policy, the plan includes proposals for harmonized type approvals and market incentives for zero-emission commercial vehicles, including electric buses and lorries.
The proposal remains subject to parliamentary and council approval before it can be enacted into law.
Source: ec.europa.eu