This is a positive signal for sustainable road freight transport in Europe: the European Parliament approved the EU Commission’s proposal to exempt zero-emission trucks and buses from national tolls until June 30, 2031. DHL endorses this decision and confirms its dedication to collaborating with policymakers to advance the decarbonization of road freight transport.
The Share of Zero-Emissions Freight Transport Is Still Low
To promote the competitiveness of sustainable road transport, zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles are exempt from tolls and road user charges within the EU. The EU Commission especially wants to support electric and hydrogen technologies. Member states enact their corresponding own regulations, depending on their national regulatory frameworks. The EU-wide exemption expires on December 31 of this year.
The European Commission has proposed extending the exemption until June 30, 2031. This is because innovation from heavy-duty vehicles manufacturers in recent years has led to the development of zero-emission models that cover all use cases, including long-distance transportation. Their deployment of these vehicles has increased substantially since 2019. Nevertheless, in 2024, only 3.9 percent of newly registered heavy-duty vehicles were zero-emission, and only 1.2 percent of new heavy goods vehicles weighing more than 12 tons. Therefore, the share of zero-emission vehicles in the heavy-duty vehicle fleet remains extremely low. The Commission recognizes that further action and support are needed.
We need to create the right conditions to support European companies and reward early movers in the transition to a low-carbon economy. By extending the exemption period, we are providing a strong business incentive for industry to invest in zero-emission vehicles and reduce emissions from road transport. It's important for our companies but also for our climate objectives.
Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism of the European Union
The EU Commission, Parliament, and Member States Agree
On September 10, EU member states approved the Commission’s proposal. Then, on October 7, 2025, the European Parliament voted in favor of it. The targeted amendment to the infrastructure costs directive (Directive 1999/62/EC) will now undergo the final formal legislative procedures before being published at the end of the year. The only alteration is the extension of the exemption provided by the Commission; the rest of the directive remains unchanged.
Prolonging the exemptions in the infrastructure costs directive until mid-2031 ensures the harmonization of important EU regulations. These include emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles (Directives 91/542/EEC and 1999/96/EC), which impose emission reduction targets on vehicle manufacturers. This provides legal certainty for both manufacturers and operators, which is a positive signal for the overall operating costs of zero-emission trucks.
Consequences of the Extension for DHL
Prolonging the exemption increases the economic efficiency of electric utility vehicles by reducing their overall operating costs. Since zero-emission vehicles primarily rely on batteries and hydrogen, greater recognition of bridge technologies, such as sustainable fuels and range extenders, would also be desirable under the infrastructure costs directive. These technologies are essential to achieving short-term decarbonization targets for road transport.
It All Depends on the Pioneers
Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas directly addresses the “early movers” of decarbonization. DHL and DHL Freight are among these early movers. With our commitment to sustainability, we are advancing development in the areas of e-mobility, hydrogen technology, and bridge technologies, such as bio-LNG, bio-CNG, and HVO100.
We are pleased that the EU continues to provide favorable conditions, and together with our partners and customers, we aim to actively shape the sustainable future of logistics with innovative programs such as GoGreen Plus Flex.
