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A new white paper developed under the ZEFES project sets out a clear message: Whereas zero-emission (ZE) road freight is gaining momentum in across the EU, fragmentation across regulatory, technical, and operational frameworks is holding back large-scale deployment and, ultimately, the Union’s competitiveness.

Based on a survey of stakeholders from across the freight transport ecosystem, the paper provides an assessment of where the transition stands today and what is needed to move from pilot projects to a functioning cross-border system. The findings show that companies already trialling ZE trucks report tangible benefits, with nearly 90% indicating lower energy or fuel costs, alongside improved driver satisfaction and easier access to low-emission zones. These early results confirm that the business case for ZE vehicles is beginning to take shape under the right conditions.

The survey also highlights that fragmentation remains a central obstacle. Almost 80% of respondents point to regulatory inconsistencies across EU Member States as a major barrier to scaling operations. More specifically, challenges related to charging infrastructure rules and vehicle certification frameworks dominate, closely followed by diverging road access conditions, including rules for the European Modular System (EMS). These inconsistencies create uncertainty, increase compliance costs, and slow down investment decisions.  Stakeholders express a clear preference for stronger EU-level direction, with over half calling for a more coordinated European approach.

To bridge this gap, the paper outlines a three-layer approach aimed at translating innovation into scalable deployment. First, an EU convergence pipeline would prioritise the harmonisation of key operational rules, such as charging access and vehicle approval procedures. Second dedicated corridor-based taskforces would bring together public and private actors to resolve practical bottlenecks along specific routes. Third, an evidence loop would ensure that lessons learned from the se corridors are systematically captured and translated into standardised solutions and future regulatory frameworks.

The paper concludes that the transition to zero-emission freight is inherently systemic. Without coordinated action, the EU and its Member States risk remaining stuck in a patchwork of pilots and national approaches. With the right governance structures in place – combining EU leadership, corridor-based implementation, and continuous learning – the sector can reduce administrative burdens, lower transition costs, and create the predictability needed to unlock large-scale investment.

Source: ZEFES