Current Developments for Truck Operators in the EU

The truck industry in the European Union is currently undergoing significant changes that are of immediate relevance to fleet operators and logistics companies. In particular, clear trends are emerging in the areas of environmentally friendly vehicles, regulatory frameworks, and digital monitoring: efficiency, compliance, and strategic planning are becoming increasingly important.

A key step toward sustainable mobility is the extension of toll exemptions for zero-emission trucks. The European Union now allows member states to continue exempting battery-electric or hydrogen fuel cell trucks, fully or partially, from road usage charges until June 30, 2031. For companies, this not only provides direct cost savings but also offers a reliable basis for investing in climate-friendly vehicles and long-term fleet planning.

At the same time, the debate over EU CO₂ targets is attracting attention. On October 13, 2025, leading manufacturers such as Volvo, Scania, MAN, and Daimler Truck sent a letter to the European Commission requesting a relaxation of the ambitious reduction targets. This information was made public on October 30, 2025. The manufacturers’ aim is to gain more flexibility in rolling out zero-emission trucks. For fleet operators, this demonstrates that the industry is evolving both technologically and politically. Investment decisions in new truck models therefore remain strategically important, as regulatory conditions could still change.

Another issue that fleet operators will need to address in the coming months is the introduction of Smart Tachograph Version 2. From July 1, 2026, many light commercial vehicles over 2.5 tons operating in cross-border traffic must be equipped with an intelligent tachograph. This system will digitally record and simplify the monitoring of driving hours, rest periods, and working times. Companies should therefore check early which vehicles are affected and plan timely retrofits or software updates to avoid compliance issues and potential fines.