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A new study commissioned by the European Clean Trucking Alliance (ECTA) and prepared by WSP concludes that CO2-differentiated road charging can significantly improve the business case for zero-emission trucks (ZETs), provided that Member States make full use of the opportunities offered under the revised Eurovignette Directive. The study compares the implementation of CO2 based road charging in France, Germany, Poland and Spain, assessing how different approaches to tolling affect the total cost of ownership of zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles and the incentives for fleet renewal.

The study finds that the Eurovignette Directive provides Member States with an important tool to incentivise the transition towards zero-emission road freight by reducing the total cost of ownership (TOC) of ZETs. Under expected implementation scenarios, a battery-electric 5-axle articulated truck could achieve annual toll savings of between €11,000 and €23,000 compared with an equivalent diesel vehicle. Where Member States apply full toll exemptions, annual savings could increase to €37,000 - €53,000.

Whereas several Member States have already introduced CO2 based road charging systems, implementation across the EU remains incomplete. The study therefore highlights the importance of accelerating the roll-out of CO2 differentiated tolling to provide a stronger and more predictable investment signal for operators considering the transition to ZETs.

The study further underlines that road charging revenues can play an important role in supporting the enabling conditions required for decarbonisation. Revenues generated through CO2 pollution-based charging, estimated at €1.1 billion - €4.3 billion annually in the countries assessed, could contribute to necessary investments in charging infrastructure, energy grid capacity, and other measures supporting the road freight sector’s transition towards zero emissions.

Moreover, the study points to existing examples of CO2 based tolling implementation, including Germany, where differentiated road charging has already demonstrated its impact.  Since 01 July 2026, the Netherlands have also introduced a kilometre-based charge incorporating CO2 emission classes.

The findings closely reflect CLECAT’s longstanding position that CO2 differentiated road charging can provide an effective, market-based incentive for the uptake of zero-emission trucks. Such incentives must go hand in hand with investment in charging infrastructure, grid capacity, and other enabling conditions.