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CLECAT today released its position paper on the upcoming ‘Clean Corporate Fleet’ initiative, contributing its views on how to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission light- and heavy-duty vehicles in road logistics. Building on the public consultation in spring 2024 and the mission letter tasking Commissioner Tzitzikostas to propose legislation promoting clean corporate fleets, this initiative provides an important opportunity for the freight forwarding sector to help shape policies that support the decarbonisation of road transport.

CLECAT emphasises the importance of a flexible mechanism to incentivize the uptake of all types of zero-emission vehicles, fostering innovation without undermining the competitiveness of the transport and logistics sector. However, CLECAT also highlights significant challenges that need to be addressed to ensure a rapid and effective transition. These include the supply and availability of battery-electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, the development of sufficient charging and refuelling infrastructure, and the limited financial capacity of operators to invest in zero-emission technologies.

A sustainable transition to zero-emission road logistics depends heavily on the establishment of a well-designed framework that provides appropriate incentives for operators. Any initiative aimed at corporate fleet renewal in the road freight sector must include ambitious fiscal and financial measures, effective carbon pricing mechanisms such as the Eurovignette and ETS 2, and solutions to overcome the bottlenecks that hinder the deployment of charging and refuelling infrastructure. Improved grid capacity and strategic grid planning are critical to creating the conditions for operators to invest in zero-emission vehicles. This approach would send clear market signals and build the trust necessary for operators to commit to the transition.

CLECAT believes that the introduction of zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) purchase mandates for road logistics operators would not be an effective solution to drive the decarbonisation of road freight transport. Such mandates would risk being counterproductive, adding complexity to fleet renewal policies while failing to address the practical challenges operators face. Imposing ZEV targets could lead to an unworkable system that is difficult to enforce and prone to circumvention. More critically, mandating fleet targets without resolving the infrastructure gaps would force operators to acquire vehicles that cannot be effectively deployed due to a lack of charging or refuelling facilities. CLECAT advocates for policies that support decarbonisation in a practical, balanced, and sustainable manner, addressing both infrastructure and operational realities.

The full position paper is available via this link.