ACEA urges EU to act fast on 2030 zero-emission targets

Europe’s truck and bus manufacturers are urging the European Commission to act swiftly to create the conditions needed to meet ambitious 2030 CO₂ reduction targets, warning that without decisive policy action, the transition to zero-emission transport risks falling off track.

In advance of next week’s high-level automotive meetings with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and key commissioners, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) stressed that while the industry has invested billions in zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) technology, insufficient infrastructure, regulatory delays, and a lack of supportive measures are putting the targets out of reach.

Under current EU climate goals, the market share of zero-emission trucks and buses must soar from just 3.5% in early 2025 to at least 35% by 2030. Manufacturers say they are ready to deliver but enabling conditions, from adequate charging infrastructure and grid connections to competitive charging prices and CO₂ based road user charges, are still lagging far behind.

“We are already delivering the vehicles and offer zero-emission solutions for all transport needs, but most of the essential enabling conditions are not in place today,” said Christian Levin, CEO of Scania Group and Chairperson of ACEA’s Commercial Vehicle Board.

“If all the other pieces don’t fall into place, we will fail. This is not a failure of engineering, it’s a failure of policy.”

ACEA is calling on the Commission to accelerate the review of the Heavy-Duty Vehicle (HDV) CO₂ Regulation, arguing that waiting until 2027 would be too late. The association is also pushing for urgent monitoring of critical enablers such as infrastructure rollout, legislation like the Weights & Dimensions Directive, and clear incentives to encourage fleet operators to switch to ZEVs.

Levin warned that while manufacturers are “most ready to deliver,” they face disproportionate non-compliance penalties if targets are missed, despite much of the responsibility lying with policymakers and infrastructure providers.

ACEA reaffirmed its commitment to climate neutrality but stressed that success hinges on swift, coordinated action across EU institutions, energy providers, and member states to remove barriers and support a fair, realistic transition for Europe’s transport sector.