EU : Commission proposal to exempt zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles from road tolls until 2031

The Commission is proposing, on the 27/06/2025, to extend the current road tolls and users charge exemption for zero-emission HDV period from 31/12/2025 to 30/06/2031, as pledged in its Industrial Action Plan for the European automotive sector, launched on 05/03/2025.

The upfront cost of these vehicles is currently higher than their conventional counterparts, making them less attractive to buyers. This remains one of the main barriers to their wider deployment. By waiving tolls and user charges, the EU intends to make zero-emission trucks and buses a more viable option for businesses.

The proposed exemption period will be synchronised with the EU’s CO2 emission performance standards for new heavy-duty vehicles which target a 43% reduction in emissions by 2030.

To help decarbonise this sector, Directive 1999/62/EC was amended in 2022 to enable the differentiation of road charges based on vehicles’ CO2 emissions. The Directive also allowed Member States to set greatly reduced rates or even grant a full exemption for zero-emission HDVs from tolls or user charges until 31/12/2025.

Until…