The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) and Eurelectric have issued a joint call for urgent reform and investment in Europe’s electricity grids to support the deployment of charging infrastructure for heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs).
The appeal comes as the EU moves forward with plans to cut carbon emissions in the transport sector, requiring a substantial increase in the number of zero-emission trucks and buses by 2030.
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Under current CO₂ reduction targets, up to one-third of new HDV registrations are expected to need to be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by the end of the decade.
However, the ACEA and Eurelectric warn that existing grid limitations, prolonged permitting timelines, and regulatory challenges are delaying the rollout of suitable charging infrastructure, particularly along the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) corridors and in key urban and depot areas.
In a newly released position paper, the two organisations stress the importance of involving distribution system operators (DSOs) in grid planning.
They call for a forward-looking, demand-driven approach to grid investments that anticipates the requirements of a growing fleet of zero-emission HDVs.
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By GlobalDataThe document outlines several policy recommendations. These include improved transparency via standardised grid capacity maps, simplified permitting procedures, anticipatory investments, and more flexible connection options.
It also highlights the necessity of enabling megawatt charging systems (MCS) and aligning electricity pricing structures to maintain the competitiveness of electric HDVs.
ACEA and Eurelectric call on EU institutions and member states to provide the essential infrastructure to support a decarbonised future for road transport in Europe.
ACEA chief commercial vehicle officer Thomas Fabian said: “A fit-for-purpose charging network for heavy-duty vehicles is essential to decarbonise road transport. But without a future-ready grid, this transition simply will not happen.
“We need the enabling conditions to be put in place to ensure an effective, efficient transition to zero-emission road transport across our continent.”
ACEA represents 16 major Europe-based vehicle manufacturers, including BMW Group, Ferrari, Ford of Europe and Honda Motor Europe, among others.
