Unveiled paper on our site: Position statement regarding Weights and Dimensions
The European Union is taking significant steps towards decarbonising the freight transport sector by proposing changes to the Weight and Dimensions Directive (96/53/EC). The revised directive, agreed upon in the EU Council on June 18, 2024, aims to facilitate the adoption of zero-emission technologies in heavy-duty vehicles.
One of the key recommendations is the extension of weight allowances for zero-emission vehicles, with the deadline set for 2039, provided market conditions permit. This allowance is instrumental in accommodating heavier batteries and enabling the coupling of trucks with eTrailers, a crucial step towards a greener future.
The expanded allowances total 4 tonnes, which, according to the proposals, would allow for the elimination of around 6 million tonnes of CO2 emitted annually by all refrigeration units circulating on EU roads.
In addition to these weight allowances, the expansion of recharging and refuelling infrastructure and stricter CO2 standards for heavy-duty vehicles are among the initiatives being implemented.
Zero-emission vehicles will maintain the same loading capacity as conventional heavy-duty vehicles, ensuring that the transition to cleaner technologies does not compromise the sector's efficiency.
The Directive also supports the seamless integration of advanced technologies in freight transport, promoting the uptake of zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles.
Clear definitions of Trailers, eTrailers, and eTrailer technology are needed for appropriate regulation inclusion. A new exception for additional weight allowances is proposed, focusing on eTrailers and zero-emission refrigeration units on internal combustion engine vehicles as a medium-term measure.
The increase in the maximum authorised weight for a vehicle in combination with zero-emission vehicles requires a revision and subsequent increase of the maximum axle load throughout the truck-trailer (or semi-trailer) combination. The proposed increase of the axle load for a successful regulation is 4 tonnes.
Appropriate incentives will be provided within the sector to encourage investment in zero-emission technologies. The Weight and Dimensions Directive aims to strengthen environmental ambition and expedite decarbonisation efforts.
The proposed amendments in the Weights and Dimensions Directive need enhancements to facilitate the transition towards decarbonisation. The DSLV Bundesverband Spedition und Logistik e.V. presented proposals for these changes, including enabling cross-border use of longer vehicle combinations between EU states, allowing higher total weights for trucks with zero-emission drives, harmonizing maximum weights and dimensions up to 44 tons, facilitating automatic cross-border approval of heavier or longer vehicles where allowed, and supporting faster market introduction of zero-emission vehicles with adjusted weight limits and toll calculation exemptions.
As the European Union continues to push for a greener future, these proposed changes mark a significant step towards decarbonising the freight transport sector while maintaining efficiency and competitiveness.
