HVS calls for 'pay-as-you-pollute' policies for fossil fuel trucks

HVS (Hydrogen Vehicle Systems) is calling for the implementation of a ‘pay-as-you-pollute’ carbon-based pricing scheme on fossil-fuelled heavy vehicles to drive a faster transition to clean technology.

Welcoming a letter, signed by over 40 leading companies such as Nestle, Pepsico, and Nike sent to the EU this week, which has called for more ambitious CO2 standards, plus a clear date for 100% of new trucks to be zero emission, HVS believes simply setting carbon reduction targets without accompanying policy measures is not sufficient.

HVS is also calling for the introduction of a series of policy levers, advocating carbon pricing, specifically by implementing a carbon emissions price escalator on fossil-fuelled vehicles, which follows the principle of polluters paying.

The proposed initiative of gradually increasing the price of diesel based on a predetermined trajectory would incentivise the adoption of zero-emission and alternative fuel vehicles by making their total cost of ownership more favourable.

Additionally, EU-wide support for operators purchasing zero-emission vehicles based on their emissions from well to wheel, as well as the implementation of more comprehensive road pricing scaled to carbon emissions, would further strengthen the economic case for early adoption and drive faster uptake of sustainable solutions.

This week, an influential coalition of companies appealed to Members of the European Parliament and Environment Ministers to enact stricter EU-wide emissions regulations and adopt more ambitious CO2 standards. Specifically, the group has urged for an increase in the 2030 CO2 emissions cut target from 45% to 65%. By taking proactive measures sooner, the coalition hopes to see over 150,000 additional green trucks on Europe's roads in 2030 compared to the European Commission's proposed target.

With a clear phase-out date of ICE for heavy trucks there will be a definitive timeline for the industry's transition, offering clarity and direction to manufacturers, fleet operators, and other stakeholders.

Jawad Khursheed, CEO of HVS commented: “There is a real urgency for the transition to zero-emission heavy goods vehicles, so we are very encouraged to see parties across the industry actively initiate a call to action for policymakers to make those decisions that will expedite this shift. Collectively, we need to work together to push for bolder decisions and ambition from current proposals, which is desperately required to help advance the development of zero-emission solutions.

“However, we need to do more than simply call for carbon reduction targets - these must be backed by a series of policy levers to effectively deliver them, which is why HVS believes the best approach is for carbon pricing. The polluter must pay, whether that’s through escalating fossil fuel prices, EU support for operators buying zero emission heavy vehicles based on well-to-wheel emissions and more comprehensive carbon-based road pricing. HGVs are the second largest contributors to UK transport emissions and with their numbers increasing, their emissions are likely to increase. We need to act quickly to ensure we can support the haulage industry seamlessly move from fossil-fuelled fleets to green hydrogen HGVs."