EU – Truck Makers Agree to Be Fossil-Fuel-Free By 2040

The relentless assault on the latter-day avatars of flat earthers – the Deny and Scoff at Climate Change mob  –  and Big Oil continued today as the EU and Europe’s truck manufacturers concluded that by 2040 all new trucks sold need to be fossil free to reach carbon-neutrality by 2050. (No Recharging or Refueling Infrastructure for Euro Trucks Exist)

This is a bold move considering that ~97% of new European trucks sold are powered with diesel engines. It also underscores a growing movement of citizen voters who hold corporations accountable for negative social effects produced by their goods and services. The incoming President Biden Administration has promised to address environmental issues mocked by loser Trump and has already said it will rejoin l’accord de Paris. This agreement is within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), dealing with greenhouse-gas-emissions mitigation. AutoInformed thinks that it is only a question of time before a similar deal is put in place in the US.  (Multinationals Liable For Supply Chains? Swiss Vote Due)

A joint statement said, “it will be possible to meet this target provided the right charging/refueling infrastructure is built and a coherent policy framework is put into place, including comprehensive CO2 pricing to drive the transition.”

To develop their roadmap to carbon-neutrality by 2050 at the latest, the CEOs of Europe’s commercial vehicle manufacturers, under the umbrella of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), have joined forces with scientists from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK).

“Climate change is the most fundamental challenge of our generation. At the same time, the raging COVID-19 pandemic has put the spotlight on the crucial role that road transport and logistics play to ensure that food, medicines and other essential goods are available to those who need them,” stated Henrik Henriksson, Chair of ACEA’s Commercial Vehicle Board and CEO of Scania.

“If road freight transport is to maintain its role in serving society, we need to move away from fossil fuels as quickly as possible. Not only are we convinced that it is necessary, we know it is possible and we are ready to make it happen. But we cannot do it alone; we need policymakers and other stakeholders to join forces with us,” Henriksson said.

Along with  investments by the commercial vehicle industry, included are policy options such as road charges based on CO2 emissions, and an energy taxation system based on carbon and energy content. A dense network of charging and refueling infrastructure suitable for trucks is also needed for the operation of low- and zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles. According to ACEA and PIK, a sound CO2 emissions pricing system could be one of the most effective instruments, as zero-emission vehicles simply will not take off as long as diesel remains cheaper.

“Science shows us that if we want to avoid crossing dangerous tipping points in the Earth system, we need to act today – combining all available solutions to make a rapid shift to carbon-neutrality,” says Earth system scientist, Johan Rockström of PIK. “Zero-emission vehicles will not only bring down CO2 emissions, but they will also further improve air quality levels – a factor of crucial significance for human health.”

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