The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has raised concerns about the slow advancement of the Weights & Dimensions Directive revision.

This statement comes in response to a progress report delivered at the latest Transport Council meeting.

As the EU’s 2030 CO₂ reduction objectives for heavy-duty vehicles draw near, ACEA is calling on member states to hasten negotiations.

This revision is considered essential for promoting the widespread adoption of zero-emission trucks and buses across the EU.

Revising regulations concerning vehicle weight, axle weight, and length limits is crucial to ensure that battery-electric and hydrogen-powered trucks can effectively compete with conventional diesel vehicles, ACEA explained.

It added that despite a general agreement among industry participants, the European Commission and Parliament over the past two years, member states have faced difficulties in reaching a consensus on substantial reforms.

This impasse presents a challenge to aligning regulations with the CO₂ reduction goals established for manufacturers, and the deadlock is obstructing the swift market integration of zero-emission trucks and buses.

This situation is particularly alarming considering the recently updated CO₂ targets, which require that at least one-third of new heavy-duty vehicles be zero-emission by 2030.

ACEA chief commercial vehicles officer Thomas Fabian said: “Zero-emission trucks and buses are essential to Europe’s shift toward climate-neutral road transport.

“But without a swift agreement on revising the weights and dimensions rules, the market for these vehicles will remain severely limited.

“It is crucial that member states break the current deadlock and provide the political momentum needed to swiftly agree on a meaningful update of the rules.”

Last month, ACEA and the Adecco Group collaborated to address the skill gaps within the automotive segment.